Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 165: 62. The Diakum Ritual Has Begun! Who is the True High Lord?

When Diak'um awoke again, it was several days after the Battle of Shattrath.

He opened his eyes in a residence in the Holy Light Dome, but what echoed in his mind was still the scene of himself transforming into the "Giant of Light" and completing an epic battle with Kazak that night. The feeling of transforming into a giant warrior and fighting against monsters was still fresh in the Sentinel's memory.

Although he knew that the two were not the same thing, Dick still couldn't help but complain:
"Who in my family understands? This has truly become the Great Protector of the Giant of Light of 'Mahayana Buddhism'. And even the damn battle lasted only three minutes. It's a classic remake of the illuminated... I shouldn't have said such vulgar words. Please forgive me, Holy Light."

He stretched his still tired body and stood up. The big "Weak Soul" on the character card made the Sentinel sigh.

This was not the negative state that took ten minutes to eliminate after the death of other players. His weakness at this moment lasted for seven days. During this period, not to mention transforming into a giant of light, even opening the second stage of the sanctified Seraph form was difficult.

The terrifying burden brought by this "three-stage transformation" caused Diakum to truly "burn out" his holy power pool for the first time since awakening in Draenor. If it weren't for the temporary reinforcement brought by the Holy Light, his own holy power reserves would not be enough to activate the terrifying "Glorious Holy Spirit" transformation.

That thing is obviously not a skill that should be used in the legendary stage. This wave belongs to the "paid early experience". Of course, the effect of this new ultimate skill is really powerful. It allows him to instantly become a holy light giant who can beat up the second-magic-forged Kazzak.

Also, the feeling of Lightforged Guillotine chopping up Kazzak's bones is awesome!
This is how a Warrior of Light should fight.

He sat on the edge of the bed and checked his body. This battle had a significant effect on improving Diakum's personal strength. This was also the reason why he slept for so many days. His body had obviously undergone a wave of strengthening.

Blinking, I checked my character card and found that it had indeed changed:

Name: Diakham Zastins

Title: Legion Slayer, Hand of Argus
Honor Titles: Vigilant, Honorable Blademaster, Bane of Kazzak (The Ereduin Doomguard fear you for the fall of their leader, Kazzak.)
Race: Eredar/Descendant of the Holy Light (High Conversion)
Life Rank: Legend → Demigod Critical (You have reached the limit of the Legend rank, and the secrets of Demigod are about to be revealed to you.)
Main attributes (unlocked due to upcoming promotion):

Endurance: Demigod, Lower Level. Blessed by Draenor's Heart of Hatred, it exceeds the requirements for advancement.

Power: Demigod, lower level.

Agility: Current rank is high, please upgrade as soon as possible.

Spirit: Legendary and Perfect.

Intelligence: Legendary·Perfect.

Force Path:

Affinity with the Holy Light Force: Ultimate, exceeding the requirements for promotion.

Radiant Energy Pool, Demigod, Lower Level, exceeds the requirements for promotion.

Strength recommendations:

[The legendary professions of Sun Herald and Archon have met the requirements for promotion to Demigod!
However, the 'Guardian Tactics' of the Sun Herald's Garrison Class have not yet been mastered, and the 'Path of Holy Light: The Coexistence of Light and Darkness' of the Archon Class have not yet been fully comprehended.

The lack of the Holy Light Path does not affect the promotion of demigods, but it will affect the power perception and mythological career selection of the demigod rank. Please decide whether to continue studying this path to complete the perfect promotion to the demigod rank.

hint!

Your race conversion to the Descendants of Light is not yet complete, which may affect your combat effectiveness at the Demigod level and your acquisition of mythical career paths related to the "Naaru" race.

hint!

After being promoted to demigod, the walker of the Holy Light Force will possess special powers and doctrinal factions. If you can comprehend the "Path of Holy Light and the Coexistence of Light and Darkness", you can establish your own religious sect in the material world after the promotion is completed.

hint!

After becoming a demigod, the upper limit of your professional skill proficiency will be raised to "Perfect".

After becoming a demigod, the myth profession slot will be unlocked.

Please search for various information related to mythical professions in advance and prepare for promotion. 】

"Endurance and strength attributes can no longer be improved. Spirit and intelligence attributes have reached perfection due to the gift from Naaru. Only agility..."

Diakum stroked his chin and sighed:

"My fighting style makes it difficult for me to improve my agility attribute. When I encounter trouble, I just rush in. No one in Draenor can kill me anyway, so I don't bother to dodge in this situation.

This is not okay.

The previous legendary advancement was not perfect because of environmental restrictions. This time, I have to build a perfect demigod foundation no matter what. Moreover, let’s not talk about the path of light and darkness. What about the guardian path of the garrison officer profession? Does it mean that I have to train the "protection knight" skills?

Come to think of it, I've always been fighting in the style of 'Punishment Paladin' and 'Healing Paladin', and I haven't learned the 'Flying Shield Technique' until now. This is really a bit outrageous.

So, let’s work towards this.”

He stood up and touched his rumbling stomach again, thinking that if he wanted to understand the path of light and darkness, he must follow the path of shadow priests, but in the world of Draenor...
"Dick, are you awake?"

Just as he was thinking, Archbishop Naili came in with a bowl of hot soup and cheered in surprise. She dropped the soup and rushed towards Dick, who then held her in his arms and spun her around. The Sentinel held his girlfriend in one hand as if she was holding a ball of cotton, and even had time to reach out and catch the bowl of fragrant split-hoofed ox bone soup.

He kissed Nari and saw the scars on her body.

He whispered:

"That was me back then. I'm sorry, the incarnation of the Holy Spirit of Shengyao was too powerful, and I couldn't control it well, so you got hurt."

"Nothing, as long as you come back."

Nairi hugged Diakum, but because of the damn blessing of life, Dick completely became a half-giant. Archbishop Nairi's height was not short among the Draenei, but she now stood next to Dick like a dwarf standing next to a human.

Hey!
This is no longer a question of "perfect height difference".

"Is everything okay in the city?"

Diakum gulped down his soup to replenish his energy. He asked, and Nari replied, wagging her bandaged tail.
"Everything else is fine. The forest elves have taken over the defense of Talador from the exhausted warriors. The Great Prophet and Archon Hatun are counting the casualties and the losses are quite heavy. On the ogre side alone, the Blade Tower Legion that came with the Wizard Leader has lost almost 70% of its troops.

The Mag'har tribe also lost many people, and the Crowmen even destroyed four Claw Guard regiments. The Crow Claw priests of Anzu acted indifferent, but we all know that the Midnight Crowmen who cannot fly will suffer even greater losses.

This was the result of the final stage of the battle, when Goldmane brought the Saber-fanged Tigers and drove the Gronn to come to our aid and helped us reduce the losses.

The worst thing is that Kazzak's self-explosion and the pollution left after the death of the Abyss Lord Magtheridon are also very troublesome.

The shamans discussed for a whole day and concluded that it would take at least a hundred years for the fel pollution in the Talador area to subside, and that was even with the involvement of the forest elves. As for Shattrath City...
We had to abandon one-third of the city and isolate it with Holy Light.

The pollution there is so serious that it is about to form a molten pool of fel energy. It is no longer habitable. The remaining two-thirds of the city was almost razed to the ground in the battle between you and Kazzak. Our city needs a comprehensive reconstruction.

But we won, and in the face of a glorious victory, all this is acceptable!
The leaders and senior commanders of the Alliance of K'ure were all very excited. They planned and held a simple but grand victory banquet the day before yesterday to commemorate the battle. After the banquet, everyone will set out together. They have now led their troops to the Nataan Jungle and established an outpost.

That damn place is full of demons now!

The Fire Blade Masters who went there to destroy the enemy had to withdraw. Even the Blood Ring Orc Hunters could not survive there. The demons were polluting the place, and the Father of Yongmao was very angry.

If we hadn't stopped it, it would have already led its army of forest elves to attack."

"So, there's another big demon in the Nataan Jungle, right?"

Diakum put down the bowl, narrowed his eyes, and said:
"We must get rid of them as soon as possible! Once the Natalan Jungle is polluted, Draenor will lose a considerable amount of life energy, even preventing the seeds of hatred from growing. That is the top priority for the future of this world."

"Well, I understand, but there's one more thing you need to know."

Nellie sighed and said to Diakam:
"Maraad is in a bad state. To protect Garona and Rexxar from returning the Ring, the child fought a terrible battle on the border of Gorgrond. If Karash Goldmane had not passed by, he might have died.
He was brought back, but the Prophet was unable to awaken his severely damaged body and spirit. During the days you were asleep, Velen and Ishana discussed and decided to perform the Lightforge ritual on Maraad.

They believe this is the only way to bring Maraad back.

However, His Majesty Khala had just completed a mass Lightforging for the Hand of Argus Veteran, and it was now very weak, so Velen decided to use him as the Node of the Light to perform the ritual for Maraad.

"Let me do it."

Dick paused and said in a deep voice:
"I promised Marlaad that I would protect his children. Marlaad and Lelan are like my own children. After he completes his mission as a warrior of the Holy Light, I must shoulder my responsibilities.

I will use my holy light to bring him back to his people. I believe that the light-forged Maraad will become as good as his father."

"But you are weak."

Nari said worriedly:

"Lightcasting requires a lot of holy power. You are now..."

"I can do it, and I must do it."

He smiled and kissed Naili on the forehead. Just as he was about to leave the room, he saw Naili take something out of her bag and handed it to him.

"Your staff has completed its upgrade. It is now a genuine divine weapon!"

The Archbishop held the "Kazzak's Grudge" in his hands, which was emitting a low humming sound, and handed it to Diakum.

Well, now it should be called the "Soul-Retaining Staff of the Doom Overlord." The appearance of this battle staff hasn't changed much, but because Dick used it to pierce Kazzak's head and, after the third kill, incinerated most of the archdemon's soul before completely sealing it within the staff, the staff itself has become filled with a seething and violent aura, even radiating an aura of fear that would make even the faint of heart flee.

It doesn't look like an artifact for priests at all, but more like a professional weapon for warlocks.

It was very disobedient to Nellie's grip, howling and trying to break free, but when Diakum reached out and held it, all the buzzing stopped at that moment, just like a ferocious war dog becoming extremely docile after seeing its master.

He stroked the staff, feeling its power, and was very satisfied with the improvement of the weapon. He then leaned on it and followed Nellie to the treatment area where Maraad was in the posture of a priest.

Before entering the house, I heard Leland crying.

"She was tired too, but she stayed by her brother's side, worried that Maraad wouldn't be able to hold on."

Nellie whispered:
"Lelan performed great deeds, not only in slaughtering countless demons, but also in saving at least two hundred warriors with her teleportation. The veterans of the Hand of Argus recognized her feats. After hearing about Maraad's deeds, the veterans even called him 'Little Butcher.'

Obviously, it's to take advantage of your popularity."

"If possible, who wouldn't want their children to live a peaceful life?"

Dick's eyes were full of pity, and he said:
"Help me call Viren over. Let's not let him suffer any more."

------

"We don't have the 'Forge of Aeons', the Legion of Light's special artifact for light forging. Her Majesty Kara is also very weak, and he still needs to defend the Temple of Karabor. Therefore, we can only use the most primitive light forging ritual to complete the treatment for Maraad.

Fortunately, if you were to preside over the Lightforge, Maraad's chances of survival would be much higher."

In the treatment room, Viren, who had rushed over, clearly had his own ideas. He twirled his white beard and said to Dick:

"You are 'half-Naaru,' Diakum. Theoretically, you can do anything that Naaru can do. Therefore, you can become a node shaped by the infusion of Holy Light just like Naaru. In this respect, you are indeed more suitable than me."

“But it’s still risky.”

Archbishop Isana, who was assisting with the Lightforging Ceremony, personally carved the holy runes for the naked Maraad while saying:

"The Naaru possess their own divinity. Their unique structure allows them to maintain spiritual connections with many Lightforged at the same time, and to protect the souls of their followers with their own morality. However, Diak'um is not a true Naaru.

In the long time that the secrets of the Lightforge have been shared, no Lightforged warrior has ever been Lightforged after another mortal.

Therefore, no one knows what impact this spiritual connection will have on both of you.

Maraad might be assimilated by your spirit.

Or even worse.

You'll be influenced by Maraad's spirit, and that's the worst possible outcome I can imagine."

"Nothing could be worse than witnessing my son leave me. That would make me feel guilty towards Malderan and my battle brothers. He gave me this life, and I will definitely bring his child back!

Whatever it takes.”

Diakum glanced at his left hand.

As the light changed, his flesh and blood turned into the luster of Naaru crystal for a moment.

He looked at Maraad, and saw how the child, even though he was covered in wounds, still held the Heart of Argus in his hand with determination. He remembered the relieved and blessed smile on the face of his battle-brother Maldalan when he used divine intervention.

Diakum took a deep breath, placed his hand on Maraad's forehead, and said:

"Maraad is the bravest child of Argus. I believe our homeland will bless him! Come, let me personally bring my child back to the mortal realm. Prophet, step back to avoid being burned by the holy flames. Please take precautions!"

If there is any problem in the process, the light casting will be terminated immediately.

I will use the Light to protect Maraad's sanity, and at the very least, he will survive as an immortal."

After Velen and Isana were in place, Dick placed his gauntleted hands on either side of Maraad's face, which was horribly damaged by the fierce battle. As Velen used the Redeemer's Staff to hold up the Holy Word Barrier on the outside to isolate the excessive release of holy power, Dick began to burn the holy power.

Although his holy light as a mortal is powerful, it cannot help another mortal light forging. He must enter the sanctified state.

Although he was in a weak state at the moment, the sanctification of not fighting did not bring him more pressure.

After a few seconds of preparation, the familiar "Sanctification Warning" appeared before his eyes again, and then he crossed the dangerous limit again. The white holy flame was activated, and the "Seraphim" filled with cold divinity once again appeared before Velen's eyes.

Glorious holy armor covered Diak'um's armor. Ten dancing holy white beams replaced the seraph's shining wings in a graceful manner. A pure white hood covered Diak'um's head and neck.

His feet lifted off the ground amidst the flying beams of light, and the white holy flames surging in his hands were also released with the healing morning light of the Sun Herald.

The heat was suppressed to a point where it would not cause harm. The Archon of Light's exaggerated healing power, accompanied by a shimmering light mark on the Seraph's forehead, condensed into a tangible "liquid stream." Under Diak'um's control, the flowing golden light poured into Maraad's forehead, quickly illuminating a faint glow beneath the scars of his scarred skin.

Just like the magma that refuses to go out, it is ignited and flows slowly in the veins of this brave warrior.

The Lightforging Ceremony has begun!

If successful, Maraad will be reborn from the ashes; if unsuccessful, he may be incinerated by the Holy Light.

The surging stream of light had already covered Maraad's body. His scars were constantly peeling off in the surge of holy light, revealing his skin that was healing rapidly, especially those seriously injured areas engraved with holy patterns by Isana. The new skin became whiter and had golden lines that seemed to be natural.

This is the symbol of the Lightforged.

Not only can it help them stabilize the exaggerated holy power in their bodies, but it can also gather holy power for them in battle to complete a wide range of holy sanctions that other paladins cannot do.

But the healing of the body was only secondary. While the Holy Power of the Sentinel was light-forging Maraad's body, Diakum's burning Holy Light and morality also completed the connection with his uncle's weak spirit.

This is the most difficult part.

If Maraad is unable to maintain his integrity under the cleansing of the Holy Light and Truth, he will probably be "fallen" into a hot weapon with his head full of the Holy Light and Truth.

Even Diakum, who presided over the ceremony, could not intervene in this process.

He could only pray that Maraad was firm enough.

But Dick soon realized that the light casting released by him seemed to be more "interesting" than he had imagined.

Perhaps because of the different medium, his Light Forging Ceremony did not have the ritualistic virtue trials of the Legion of Light, but was instead full of "personal characteristics".

In the light before him, he saw Maraad's spirit being thrown into the gray space "between life and death" where he had been before. The confused captain of the Hand of Argus had no idea where he was and what he should do.

Dick felt that he should give Malderan's child some hint, so he lowered a ray of light in that spiritual space.

Maraad of Argus! You have proven your fiery courage and unwavering will in the Trial of Demon Slayer. You have pledged to fight the demons to the bitter end and forged your life into the supreme blade of Argus. The bearer of the world's oath has proven your resolve with your actions.

There is no doubt that you who are glorious should belong to the Kingdom of the Original Light!
Now, complete your Trial of Virtue to gain the supreme gift bestowed upon the warrior by the Holy Light and embark on the path of the Lightforged.

Maraad clenched his fists, staring at the twinkling lights before him, and asked loudly:
"what should I do?"

"Face your heart and show your morality and courage to the Holy Light."

Dick said:
"You are the Punisher, so fight! Until you defeat your enemy."

As soon as he finished speaking, all the villains who "shined brightly" in the official history that the Sentinel remembered appeared before his great uncle.

The first person he faced was Lord Jaraxxus, who strode forward with a wild laugh. As Maraad watched in shock, a massive figure stood behind the demons. Although it was only the first time he had seen the blue giant, holding a scythe and wearing a skull mask, he had never seen such a large figure before.

But he instinctively realized that the giant was the fallen star soul of his hometown.

Argus the Destroyer!

Well, for the ancient Eredar who bear the oath of the world, such a scene is truly the most terrifying illusion.

But the Trial of Virtue has begun, and there is not much time left for Maraad.

The weapon rack forged in Dick's mind was filled with various Paladin weapons, from the familiar Hammer of the Naaru to the sacred Silver Hand, as well as the sword and shield of the Guardian of Truth and various styles of Ashbringer swords, all placed there for him to use.

The price is that Maraad must defeat the demons in front of him alone.

But my great uncle was worthy of being my great uncle. He didn't even blink, and fearlessly grabbed his most handy Hammer of the Naaru, shouting the name of Holy Light and rushed towards Jaraxxus in front of him.

Such a brave fighting posture made Diakum, who presided over the trial, very satisfied. However, Maraad seemed to have become fanatical, which did not seem to be a good sign. After completing the binding with his spirit, would he be able to create a second "Holy Light Butcher"?
Hiss, that’s so scary.

But on second thought, this didn't seem to be a problem. At least the demons wouldn't dare come and complain to him. Well, if he didn't say it, it meant zero cards! If he didn't hear it, then he'd just pretend it didn't exist. Then let Maraad embark on the path of the Lightforged Butcher.

He would surely glorify his father, and Madeleine would surely feel proud of her son.

(End of this chapter)