Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 19: Where is the Assassin's Court? Hurry up and drag out Diakum, the man who spread rumors and deceived the people, and chop him off!

The Archon's Seat is one of the most important buildings of the Eredar civilization. This place is the ruling center of several continents in the entire Argus world and the Eredar Sea.

As the symbol of power in the "Second Co-Governance" era and the seat of the country and civilization under the two-person ruling group system, this magnificent palace is located at the foot of the majestic Mac'Aree Mountains, and there are giant platforms and harbors extending directly to the coast of Eredas.

In addition to the building itself being designed as a military-grade fortress city that is easy to defend and difficult to attack, there is also Argus's most powerful fleet guarding the sea.

Under normal circumstances, it is almost impossible to break in here.

In addition to the advantages of terrain, the Archon's Seat also has an annex building called the Temple of K'ure.

It and the Lula Temple guard the two-person ruling group, one in the south and one in the north. The two Holy Light Naaru, whose absolute strength has reached the demigod level, can basically withstand all known mortal forces. In addition, the two great archons are also the pinnacle of the legendary stage with the blessing of long years and excellent talents. Archon Velen converted to the Holy Light and obtained the blessing of the Force, allowing him to truly step into the "demigod" level that mortals can only look up to. This makes the archon's seat as stable as Mount Tai in a true sense.

Of course, this is only theoretically indestructible.

The Holy Light Naaru follow the doctrine of healing and protection. They will not use violent means in most cases. Therefore, once an enemy invades, the two Naaru will most likely only put up a heavy shield like the city of Oronaar to protect the wounded and provide powerful treatment.

The real battle still needs to be completed by the Grand Archon commanding the army, which is also the main reason why Sachir dared to launch the Awakener Esoteric Coup.

He firmly believed that after the demon army tied down the two Naaru, relying on the madness of the fel warlocks and the insiders planted in the Archon's Seat in advance, they would most likely be able to rush in and kill everyone.

Unfortunately, whether in the official history of Dark Portal or in the new destiny that Dick changed with his own hands, he encountered seemingly doomed failure.

But that's over.

At least for Dick, who was at the center of the storm, his mind had now shifted to the new "threat".

"Why are you so silent? The frown on your face right now doesn't look like the expression of a victor who has turned the tide."

The Chief of the Assassin's Court and the Archon's Guard Targas, who were leading the way, looked back at Dick in confusion. The latter was wearing a light but majestic ceremonial armor and a helmet shining with holy light, but one could vaguely see his slightly heavy expression.

This caused the best assassins and hunters in the world of Argus to ask in surprise:
"Any Eredar who comes to the Archon's Seat for the first time will be shocked by the dignity and solemnity here, but I don't see any fluctuation in your eyes. This either means that you have been here before, or that your mind is not at all on the upcoming meeting with the two Archons.

So, what could be more important to you than meeting with the two archons?"

"Of course I've been here before. For a while, I spent almost every day in the Archon's Seat to farm that damn random drop of the Demon Dog mount and that damn toy collection.

Not only am I more familiar with this place than you, I've even seen it turned into ruins and become a demon's lair.

That would be much more solemn and austere than it is now."

Dick complained bitterly in his heart, but in response to Talgas's question, he replied politely with a hint of distance:
"I'm sorry, the unique aura of the Triumvirate's Seat did shock me, but I did have a conversation with Sachir before coming here because I was thinking about another thing."

"I know that the record of your conversation has been personally submitted to the Grand Archon."

Talgas nodded playfully and said:

"I also heard that you had a charade with Sachir."

"As expected of an intelligence chief, your speed in acquiring information far surpasses my imagination. You're like a six-legged spider entrenched in Mac'Aree's vast web, instantly capturing any movement from any direction."

Dick used a curious metaphor in his praise, and Talgarth did not think it was any kind of irony.

He readily accepted the spider metaphor and added:

"I'm sure there are some secrets between you and Sachir that only the two of you know. Maybe you can't tell me, but I advise you, Dick, that when you face the two archons later, you'd better tell them everything you know."

"There's nothing that can't be said."

Dick thought for a few seconds, and when Talgas led him through the passage guarded by the Archon's Guards, he lowered his voice and briefly told the boss of the Assassin's Court the fact of the existence of Argus's "World Soul".

Although it was just a few words, Targas's expression still changed several times.

After Dick finished speaking, Talgas asked with a suspicious expression:

"You mean the 'will of the world' that those old-fashioned shamans keep talking about? Do you really believe in the existence of something like Argus, which sounds like a myth?"

"Sachir believes it!

He told me clearly that the 'Ancestral Wizard Ogul' in our Eredar mythology was the man who signed a contract with the world. If he did not have such a legendary experience, how could he have relied on himself to tame the wild four elemental forces in ancient times and usher in a peaceful era for the world.

In his later years, he pursued the truth of the arcane and left behind both the elemental and arcane heritages for the Eredar with his own strength?
What if the legend of the First Wizard, Master Augure, is not only not exaggerated, but has become more conservative as it is passed down through generations? What if Master Augure is truly the first 'Guardian of Argus' chosen by the world's will?

Dick asked in return:
"Captain Talgarth, Thal'kiel told me that he found a 'holy stone' deep in the petrified forest of Krokuun while pursuing the path of the First Wizard.

He said that thing could connect with the world will or the world soul.

I don't think an arcanist, desperate and waiting to die, would leave behind a lie to tease us about something like this.

Whether it's true or not, we can find out by going and taking a look."

"Well, that makes sense."

Talgas nodded.

Regardless of whether what Dick said was true or false, as the head of intelligence, he had to send people to verify it. If there really was a "cosmic god" sleeping inside the world of the Eredar who had not yet awakened, then this matter must be taken seriously.

Thinking of this, Talgas's desire to seize the opportunity to win over Dick became even more intense. He looked around, and just as Dick was about to step onto the stairs to meet the Grand Archon, he said:
"I know that inviting a garrison officer to join the Assassin's Court is a long shot, but you and I really have a good taste, Dick, so I'm going to give it a try. Are you willing?"

"I'd like to join!"

Before Talgarth could finish, Dick interrupted him and said with a smile:
"But I can only become an 'honorary member' of the Assassin's Court, Commander Talgas. I, who bear the Holy Light, cannot walk in darkness. This is inconsistent with the current teachings of the Holy Light and will easily be regarded as a 'heretic' by my compatriots.

However, I am willing to cooperate with the Assassin Court as one of our own to complete the next series of operations.

For example, exploring the existence of the Holy Stone and the World Will."

"very good!"

Dick's decisiveness made Talgas admire him even more.

The eredar garrisons all had difficult tempers like thunder elephants, and it was rare to find someone as flexible and adaptable as Dick.

The qualities he demonstrated in dealing with the Awakener Cult and Archimonde are all the good qualities and professional ethics required of members of the Assassin's Court.

Therefore, Talgas decisively handed Dick a jewel necklace with the emblem of the Assassin's Court and said:

"Then I will appoint you as the 'Honorary Commander' of the Assassin's Court, Dick. I will go through the procedures now. After you receive your new appointment, I will transfer an elite action team to your command. You will be responsible for tracking down the Sacred Stone and the World Will."

"I'll take this job. If possible, I hope Captain Naili will cooperate with me."

Dick said:
"After all, we are all acquaintances, so there will be no awkwardness in working together."

"Great! Nari and the others are currently recuperating from their mission. A 'publicly funded trip' to Krokuun could be a bonus."

Targas agreed readily, and then signaled Dick that he should go to meet the two archons.

Dick took a deep breath and stepped onto the jewel-studded steps in front of him, heading towards the highest palace of the Archon's Seat, which was also the main hall where the Archons handled government affairs every day.

The traditional construction style of the Eredar people is still followed here. The craftsmen designed the exterior of the palace to be very "round", but with a grand dome on top. There is also a protective tower surrounded by elegant Arkinite crystals, and the mottos composed of ancient Eredar characters carved on the stone walls, which gives this place a solemn and historical feel.

Although the eredar like to embellish their buildings with gold and gems, their style is never extravagant.

When Dick walked into the main hall, he did not see any flashy luxury goods. The only thing that could be associated with "luxury" in this huge and solemn palace was the huge gems inlaid above the thrones of the two archons.

The gem behind Velen is purple, the gem behind Kil'jaeden is red, and there is a violet gem floating in front of the Grand Archon's throne. When Dick arrived, the two Grand Archons seemed to be discussing how to deal with the crystal.

They did not lower their voices, allowing the garrison officer to hear their discussion.

"The Mark of Enlightenment is part of the 'Crown of the Ruler'. When it was forged, it symbolized the collective wisdom of the Eredar civilization. We gave it to Thal'kiel as a recognition of his wisdom, and it was passed down to Archimonde.

Unfortunately, this holy relic almost became a tool for ambitious people.

"I believe, Velen, that we should return it to the Archon. It can forge a powerful spellcaster, but it will also test the mind and character of its bearer, lest the mistakes of the past be repeated in the future."

Lord Commander Kil'jaeden said solemnly:
"I think it's best for this crystal relic to remain in our hands until the next qualified person is born. What do you think?"

"I think your considerations are quite reasonable, my brother."

Velen said in a gentle but regretful voice:

"After embracing the Holy Light, the arcane wisdom of the Mark of Enlightenment no longer responded to my pleas. Although my connection with the Eye of Prophecy has deepened, this mark that could bestow wisdom is destined to be covered in dust for a period of time.

It’s really a shame.”

What they were discussing was the crystal that Archimonde gave to the fake Sachir that night. It was not as big as it looked at that night. Apparently, this thing called "artifact" could change its size according to the size of its holder.

Dick also knew that the Mark of Enlightenment, the Eye of Prophecy and the Crown of Knowledge, three sacred objects made of natural crystal, must be combined together to form the complete "Crown of the Ruler".

This thing was made by the Eredar in imitation of the ancient sacred object Atama Crystal. It can give the wearer a certain amount of personal power enhancement, but its actual usage is not so simple.

This thing is a "strategic relic"!
It can strengthen buildings or vehicles into "fortresses" and "city destroyers", and can also give morale bonuses to surrounding soldiers. It can easily determine the course of a war. In the Azeroth universe where demons are rampant, the Crown of the Ruler is not a first-class artifact, but it is by no means ordinary.

In the official history of the Dark Portal, thousands of years later, when the exiled Draenei returned to Argus to retake their homeland, they relied on the Crown of the Ruler to give the starship "Xenedar" enhanced war power, so that they could blast open the magic-forged walls of the demon base with a single shot, creating an opportunity for millions of lords from alien planets to attack the enemy directly.

But what is quite blackly humorous is that this artifact of the Eredar was divided into three parts when it was first cast.

Perhaps it was a foreshadowing that the Eredar would eventually be led by three great archons. Unfortunately, their two candidates, Thal'kiel and Archimonde, have now been eliminated.

This is still Dick's "credit".

Instead of worrying about who would own the Mark of Enlightenment, Dick was now quietly observing the two archons sitting on the thrones.

He was very familiar with Velen and Kil'jaeden ten thousand years later, but by that time Velen had completely turned into a white-bearded old man, and Kil'jaeden had become a real "red-skinned one-eyed Ogryn".

At that time, the image of the two people, who had been weathered by the wind and rain, could no longer be called "graceful".

However, the two are now in the prime of their lives, and their image is naturally very different from their later "down and out" appearance.

Velen on the left has a pleasant expression, a square and gentle face, and black eyebrows blending into a carefully trimmed beard, a unique style for male Eredar. Four golden rings adorn the beard, blending with the black beard. Add to that a pair of gleaming eyes and a high, layered forehead, and he exudes a sense of wisdom. This face is really good!

It is obvious that he is capable of being a commander-in-chief and does not need "Kagoka" at all.

Kil'jaeden on the right has lighter skin, compared to the normal blue of the Eredar. Before he fell, this commander even had an "albino" look, but it was this unique skin color that gave him a solemn and heavy aura.

He didn't have a beard, but the two long whiskers on his chin made up for the lack of decoration. His body was visibly more robust, representing his identity as a legendary warrior and commander of the garrison.

Kil'jaeden is not a spellcaster, so he has fewer tentacles.

Just like Dick, he has no tentacles because his energy talent is not good enough.

Although tentacles are more of a racial characteristic for the Eredar, there has always been a strange superstition among the arcanist community that spellcasting talents correspond to the number and length of tentacles.

They regard it as a mysterious "spell-casting organ."

Although there is no formal research literature to support this, famous spellcasters in the history of the Eredar, such as Thal'kiel, Velen, Archimonde, and the legendary First Sorcerer, all have four long, elegant, perfectly shaped and unique tentacles.

This "massive number of individual cases" seems to have indirectly illustrated the problem.

It is worth mentioning that the two Archons do not have horns on their heads that men should have. Their scalps are raised and smooth, which represents a lack of "masculinity" in the tradition of Eredar men. Of course, probably no one dares to say this in front of two Archons who have been in power for five thousand years.

Velen, who was supposed to be a great arcanist of the same level as Thal'kiel, converted to the Holy Light three days ago in order to purify the Well of Fel. His Arcane Archon robes were replaced with platinum Redeemer robes, a style that was very close to Velen's classic "charlatan" look ten thousand years later.

What he is holding in his hand now is still the famous holy light artifact "Ture Naaru Beacon".

This thing was made from the remains of a high-level Naaru or "Ancestral Naaru" who had accomplished the "great cause of saving the world". It is one of the holy objects in the physical universe that is most closely connected to the Holy Light Force.

In fact, Dick has always suspected that the two Naaru who came to Argus a thousand years ago had "bad intentions" when they gave this thing to Velen, the Grand Archon.

No matter how wise the spellcaster is, it is impossible for him not to be affected after holding the holy relic made from the remains of the Naaru for more than a thousand years. Moreover, a few nights ago, the twins' "random teleportation" at the critical moment was so "coincidental" that it brought them to Velen's eyes, almost directly leading to Velen's destiny of embracing the holy light.

But is there really such a thing as "coincidence" in this kind of thing?
To be honest, Dick didn't believe it!

Plus, Viren has a very bad problem or character flaw.

He has had the talent of "prophecy" since he was a child, so he believes in prophecy very much. When Velen first learned from the prophecy that he would become a believer of Holy Light in the future, it was only a matter of time before he actually became what he is now.

Although he is a Holy Light Walker, to be honest, Dick really looks down on the actions of some special individuals in the Holy Light Force camp, especially the complex group of "Naaru".

Regardless of their faction, some of the extreme behaviors of those extreme Naaru are not much different from those of the demons of the Fel Force or the Faceless Men of the Void Force.

This fully reflects a basic common sense of the Azeroth universe, that is, the truth that "the Force itself has no distinction between good and evil."

Pure holy light can be used to do terrible things, such as the group of crazy people in the Scarlet Crusade; brutal evil energy can also become a protective force in the hands of heroes, such as the Illidari demon hunters who firmly follow my brother.

It is always people who decide the power of good and evil and the direction of personal destiny!
"The Redeemer Diachem Zastins greets the two Archons!"

Dick, wearing ceremonial armor, saluted the two archons who looked at him with the etiquette of a high-ranking vindicator. Kil'jaeden's expression was calm, while Velen's eyes sparkled with kindness and joy.

He had witnessed Dick's "heroic feat" in the Great Lecture Hall, so he believed from the bottom of his heart that although the garrison commander in front of him had indeed taken the wrong path, he had now returned to the right path and was undoubtedly a role model for the garrison commander class, just like his brother Kil'jaeden.

"Diachem, for your contributions against the Enlighteners and the Awakeners, Grand Archon Velen and I have decided to award you the title of 'Brigadier General of the Garrison'."

Kil'jaeden stroked the jeweled armrests of the throne and said solemnly:
"Unfortunately, there's currently no suitable position for you in the military hierarchy. Therefore, you may need to wait for a while before you're officially stationed and given command of troops. Are you willing to wait?"

"I am a humble sinner, honorable Lord Commander Kil'jaeden. Everything I do is not for merit or honor, but simply out of guilt and compensation."

Dick leaned forward and answered perfectly with the acting skills expected of a "great lord" and "movie star":
"In fact, I have become a priest under the guidance of Priest Ishana of the Temple of Lura. I hope to spend more time guiding and protecting the spirits and souls of the people. Of course, I will not abandon the doctrine of the Guardian. When you and Archon Velen need me to return to the front line, I and my Holy Light will respond!

but.
Please forgive me for being frank! The two great archons.

The storm caused by the Enlightener has not yet ended. During my conversation with him, I have already sensed that a more terrifying darkness is still peeking at our beautiful home.

The demon master who calls himself the 'Benefactor' will not stop just because the awakeners fail.

In fact, Sachir himself admitted that he was well aware that the essence of the Benefactor was a terrifying evil god who dominated the physical universe and was a terrifying existence that called itself the "Dark Titan."

He has set his sights on our world."

This statement made Kil'jaeden and Velen look at each other. At this moment, Kil'jaeden's servant handed him a note. The commander flipped through it, suddenly became serious and handed it to Velen. The Grand Archon also had a serious expression after reading it.

Velen even stood up himself and used the elegant techniques of an arcanist to create a barrier covering the main hall with the power of holy light.

This move left Dick dumbfounded.

Damn, no wonder the two Naaru were trying so hard to pull Velen into the Holy Light camp!

Others all use the priest's method to humbly pray for the Holy Light, but you directly use the method of the arcanist to use the Holy Light as magic.

This spellcasting talent is really amazing.

It was a miraculous scene like the Archmage Jaina summoning her dead father's invincible battleship in front of everyone, changing her job to "Fenti" on the spot, and playing "bumper boats" with the enemy fleet by herself.

As expected, in the cold and magnificent universe of Azeroth, geniuses can do whatever they want.

"Loyal Talgas told me that you just described the legend of the World Soul to him?"

Kil'jaeden stood up, put his hands behind his back and asked:

"Have you discussed these things with Sachir? As the most orthodox descendant of the First Wizard, I can understand that he firmly believes in such legends, but how did you, a garrison commander, hear the 'Whisper of the World'?"

"This"

Dick hesitated for a moment and said:
“I can’t explain it, but when I was dying after my throat was slit by the Awakened assassins, I did hear a voice from the outside world. It might have been an illusion, but the will I perceived in it must be real.

I grew up in Krokuun, two great archons.

Ours is the reserve of the ancient shamanism in the world of Argus. I have heard the ancient legends of the shamans since I was a child. They firmly believe that there is a power called "world will" in our world.

Sachir confirmed this.

He told me that he had found a sacred stone in the Petrified Forest of Krokuun, the origin of the Eredar civilization. By touching it, one can communicate with the World Soul, but the prerequisite is that one must be the 'Chosen One'.

Velen nodded in agreement. The kind and wise Archon said:
"There are indeed similar records in the ancient shamanic ways, and it is said that they also came from the teachings of the ancestor wizard Ogulei. However, arcanists generally believe that it is just superstition. Arcanists who believe in evidence have spent many years searching for evidence related to the world's will, but in the end, they were proven to be seriously fabricated.

Later, after the rise of the arcane tradition, elemental doctrine faded out of the mainstream and no one mentioned this statement anymore.

However, in the remote land of Krokuun, elemental teachings still hold a place.

My old friend, Governor Hatton, is the only remaining legendary shaman in the world of Argus. When I was a student, he once told me about the whispers of the world's will. He said that his fathers had also listened to a similar will in their dreams.

He was convinced of it.”

This explanation made Kil'jaeden nod his head. Although he was knowledgeable, he was still a garrison commander after all, right?
"So, you and Sachiel both believe that the 'Benefactor' or 'Dark Titan' will continue to send demons to harass our world because of the existence of the World Soul?"

Kil'jaeden asked again, and Dick nodded and said:
"I think what we're going to face next is more than just 'harassment', but I still need to find evidence of the existence of the Holy Stone for the two Archons first to understand the specific situation.

After all, two leaders who can lead our civilization must not rely on speculation and rumors.

The threat posed by the Dark Titan is certainly terrifying, and we must be vigilant against the aggressive nature of fel energy. However, there is one thing I must explain to the two Archons, especially Archon Velen."

Dick paused, looked at Weiren in surprise, and said:
"It's not just the claws of fel energy that the world will abhors and resists. Grand Archon Velen, you are already in the light, but you must still be wary of that radiance. There's the legend of two Holy Light naaru coming to Argus, and even the legend of the ancient ancestor wizard finding the treasured Ata'ma Crystal, and the prosperity of Holy Light teachings over millennia.

The purpose of all this is not simple!

Sachir confirmed this in our conversation.

Not only the evil force desires the star soul of Argus, but also the holy light, and even the order represented by the arcane is also coveting it.

Two Archons, if what Sachir said is true, it means that we are holding the most magnificent and rare treasure in the entire physical universe. Unfortunately, we seem to have no ability to protect it.

Now, those forces with their own motives have set their sights on us.

Perhaps I sound overly dramatic, but I believe your innate prophetic abilities will soon reveal this to you.

As the leader of a civilization, you must not be blinded by the enlightenment of the naaru.

The Light is the Light, and the Naaru is the Naaru.

These two are completely different concepts, and in addition to faith, the Eredar have treasures that are more worthy of protection, that is, our people, our civilization and our world!
For you, these things should always come before your personal beliefs.

what do you say? "

"presumptuous!"

Kil'jaeden narrowed his eyes, glanced at his brother, and then scolded him in a playful tone:

"You're a Light Walker yourself, how can you so casually comment on your own faith? Is it true, as the rumors say, that you've been hanging out with the cultists for so long that you've become a heretic yourself?"

"But the Holy Light has not expressed disapproval of my outrageous words, Grand Archons."

Diakum looked at Weiren, then lowered his head and said softly:
"The Holy Light doesn't require us to sacrifice everything for its faith. It wants us to use kindness instead of praise and to demonstrate our stance through action. I embrace the Holy Light not because I have faith, but because I want to be a good person. Therefore, the Holy Light responded to me a second time.

My devotion is not solely to faith, so every call to the Light does not make me foolish.

No true god would want his followers to be a bunch of fanatical, mindless lunatics. Conversely, if someone can only muster courage under the revelation of the Holy Light, then perhaps he shouldn't have it in the first place.
My apologies, Grand Masters, for my rash words."

Ps:

In this chapter, some brothers suggested that the names of the characters currently appearing should be modified. Well, except for the character "Malderan" who was specially created by me for my uncle's life experience, all the characters appearing now are NPCs in the official history. This really cannot be changed.

If you change it, there will be problems.

(End of this chapter)