Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 21: Krokuun's Country Boy Returns to His Loyal Homeland
As soon as the sky in Orona City was getting light, Dick had already packed up and was ready to leave.

The "Lightforged Arms" given by Naruk Ulei were fully worn. This set of sophisticated armor was actually not the standard equipment of the elite warriors of the Holy Light Legion in Dick's memory. In this era, the concept of "Lightforged" had not yet been born. Even the Naaru themselves probably could not have expected that in the brutal Force War, even the gentle Holy Light would become more radical than ever before.

The set of weapons he wore was merely called "Lightforged," and its essence was still the work of the great blacksmiths of the Eredar.

Purple magic gems are inlaid on the bright silver armor, giving the already sturdy armor better magical conductivity. In addition, the blessing of Naruk Ulei has turned into golden holy emblems that embellish this majestic armor, giving it the power to amplify the holy light.

In fact, Dick discovered that his character card "system" also had a built-in "equipment identification" function. For example, when he first put on this majestic set of armor, he could check the equipment attributes in the auxiliary column of the character attributes:
Name: K'ure's Blessed Armor

Quality: Excellent【5/5】

Set features: Primary holy light amplification, primary sword resistance, primary magic absorption

Set effect:

[3/5]: Slightly increases the effects of all the wearer's Holy Light skills.

[5/5]: Grants the wearer the additional passive skill [Protective Aura], slightly increasing the defense of all friendly units within yards of the wearer.

Equipment Description:

[Although K'ure really wanted to reward outstanding Light Walkers, the simple thinking of the Naaru was obviously not smart enough, at least not smart enough to understand the complex daily interactions and secret personal preferences of the temple quartermasters.

Unfortunately.

You should have gotten a cooler, flashier set of epic armor as a reward for your heroic act.

But who made you ruin Thal'kiel's plans and anger that hidden Awakener sympathizer quartermaster? So, consider yourself unlucky or go back and report him immediately, brother.

"???"

Dick's eyes widened, then he sighed.

He admitted that his character card system was good in every way, but he always liked to add a strange comment after the serious description of the entry.

Dry!
Are these bored, high-dimensional beings treating me like a Bilibili website? They're still posting comments here? Aren't they bored?

"I just like blue and green outfits! So what if I just like environmentally friendly outfits? Being able to accomplish great things in orange outfits isn't awesome. Seeing me accomplish great things in blue and green outfits is awesome!"

Dick complained stubbornly.

Feeling a little hurt inside, he mounted his war ram and put on his hood. He took one last look at the lavish little estate of the Garrison Commander of Malderan, and then embarked on his journey in the morning mist.

He didn't alarm anyone.

On the one hand, saying goodbye so early in the morning was somewhat inconsiderate of others' desire to sleep in, on the other hand, this was a secret operation, and the Assassin's Court were waiting.

He didn't want to offend a group of people who had the power to report directly to the consuls.

Driven by the loyal Talbuk sheep, Dick soon arrived at the city defense headquarters of Oronar City. His nominal subordinates were already waiting in this military camp.

Captain Naili was yawning as she checked her luggage. Her chatterbox assassin subordinate Yura and the supporting actor Maras were still recovering from their injuries and could not come, so she only brought the twins, who were newcomers, as a training for the new recruits.

On the other side, the five young men, each carrying a bag, were eating breakfast together.

Dick specifically asked these five guys to come here!

Because of their meritorious service, they were awarded the title of "Warrior". Although they also obtained the official rank of garrison officer in advance, they were temporarily unable to join the army because the courses at the Mystery Academy had not yet ended. Also, because the academy had to undergo strict examinations during this period, they could not even attend classes.

Instead of wasting time playing cards in the dormitory, it would be better to follow Dick on a business trip to Krokuun and accumulate operational experience.

These eight people plus Dick are the members of the "Holy Stone Explorers" team.

The staff is a bit small, but considering that this is an in-depth investigation into "myths and legends", the number of people should not be too large.

Seeing Dick jump down from the Tabu sheep, the five young warriors immediately stood up and came forward to greet him. Dick encouraged and praised them one by one, which made the five recruits' chests stand out even higher.

But Captain Naili, the "old fox", is not so easy to fool.

She leaned on the railing beside her and said teasingly:

"I thought we were more or less friends, but you didn't invite me when good things happened. Both times I met you, you caused trouble. This time is even worse! I even followed you into the deep mountains and forests of Krokuun. I haven't been there yet, but I heard the people there are very tough."

"The scenery there is beautiful, the Krokuun people are warm and hospitable, and the herdsmen there also make delicious grilled fish and roasted lamb ribs, both of which are superb snacks. Don't pout, little Nellie, I'll treat you to a feast when we get there."

Dick smiled and soothed them a few words before looking at the twins again. He was disappointed to find that the two girls were still using small mirrors to touch up their makeup.

Alas, this is what a delicate Eredar girl is like.

Even though he's doing a promising job as an assassin, which requires him to cover his face most of the time, he still can't give up his pursuit of beauty?

"Cough cough."

The more mature Oreses noticed the subtle gaze of Chief Dick and hurriedly put away the mirror and bumped her sister's wrist. The latter also stood up straight and said in a flattering manner:
"If you need it, Commander Diak'um, no! Brigadier General Diak'um! We sisters can use teleportation to transport you and your followers to the Krokuun Steppes. We have recorded the coordinates of the arcane node there from the Teleportation Court.

Guaranteed to be fast and stable."

"But don't you know that although the Awakener Cult's coup d'état primarily took place in Mac'Aree, they have members in every governorate throughout the country, and even in territories across the sea?"

Brigadier General Dick shook his head seriously and explained:

"The review of spellcaster teams in other governorates has just begun. If you don't want to risk being exiled to the Twisting Nether due to a teleportation failure and facing a group of demons, it's best to take the navy's aircraft and go there.

Don't worry, it won't be long.

We set out in the morning and by the afternoon we'll reach Castle Nathrax, perched on the cliffs of Krokuun's coast. It's where I grew up, and it's the only major city in this remote area of Krokuun and the administrative center of the Governorate."

The others were immediately convinced by Dick's explanation, but the Geminis were still a little hesitant. The more extroverted Salolas grumbled quietly:
"This is a transoceanic flight. It's not that I don't trust the technology of the Techno-Court, but I heard that their aircraft have a certain chance of overheating and disintegrating due to long-term flight. Although the probability is not high, I still prefer the safety and speed of magic."

"Then you two can go over and act as messengers for us."

Captain Naili curled her lips and said:
"Brigadier General Dick is the commander of the operation! He's more than just your physical education teacher. This is an official operation, no bargaining! You two are still on probation in the Assassin's Court, so behave yourself!"
If you don't want to get a comment of 'unsatisfactory work ability' on the evaluation form."

It was Naili, an old hand who was well versed in the rules of the workplace, who had a way. With just one sentence, she controlled the two interns who were eager to obtain the "civil servant qualification", and they never dared to make trouble openly again.

Because this operation had been registered with the Grand Consul, the Military Affairs Court provided very good cooperation. The specially allocated aircraft did not make them wait too long, and soon a "round" aircraft landed in the military camp.

This thing was obviously made to imitate the unique flying style of the Naaru.

The whole thing is an oversized "energy gem" with a crude and simple cockpit placed in it. You can even see energy clusters processed into special forms exposed at the rear of the aircraft. When it flies, those energy clusters will release propulsion force.

For other races, even if they could find this huge spire-like gem, the subsequent demonization processing would still be a big problem. However, this is not a problem for the Eredar who are born with the talent of "jewelry processing".

The appearance of the entire gem aircraft is almost entirely handcrafted by craftsmen. Since there is no production line, the number of such aircraft is currently relatively small.

The most famous mineral specialties in the world of Argus are these gems with excellent magical conductivity.

There are even huge open-air gem mines in the mountains of several governorates in the Antoran Plains, making it easy to find such giant jewels. Coupled with the visit and imitation of the Naaru spacecraft, the technicians of the Technology Court created this kind of atmospheric aircraft by "copying".

It flies very fast, and on its first voyages hundreds of years ago it was able to travel around the world in two to three days. Now technological breakthroughs have made it possible to complete transoceanic flights in just a few hours.

Of course, this thing is still far behind the black technology of the Naru spacecraft that can "superluminal speed". After all, the energy source of the Naru spacecraft is the Naru itself.
That's right, when those jewel starships that can cross the galaxy are started, they need the demigod Naaru himself to serve as the navigator, helmsman and "energy furnace". Therefore, during the long journey across the star sea, the Naaru often become very tired and even suffer from irreversible "illness caused by overwork".

This is also the secondary reason why the fleeing Draenei "crashed" in the world of Draenor ten thousand years later.

Fatigue driving is fatal.

In addition, in terms of "environmental protection" and "clean energy", our Holy Light Force is truly one hundred thousand years ahead of the universe. It's really amazing. The Burning Legion, who drive fel warships around to pollute the starry sea all day long, should learn from me!

“It’s quite a big place in here.”

The five little warriors who boarded the military aircraft for the first time saw everything new. Yimi La held the staff like a bumpkin and sighed, but was ridiculed by the two "bad school girls":
"Senior, you're really out of your mind! Can't you see such an obvious spatial extension effect? The space inside the aircraft is at least five times the size of the aircraft. It's obvious that this is a troop transport."

When fully loaded, it can transport at least hundreds of people at a time."

Sarolas wagged his tail and teased, causing Imira to glare at him angrily. Dick, who was following behind, couldn't stand the twins bullying the honest children, so he said lightly:
"I can see that the two of you aren't looking too good, kid. Our space extension isn't fully open. Under normal circumstances, the military assigns an aircraft a troop transport capacity of more than 3,000 people. Of course, that's at the expense of safety for maximum transport efficiency.

This is also a characteristic of the Naaru spacecraft.

It is said that the jewel starship 'Genidal' that His Majesty K'ure and His Majesty Lula took when they came to Argus can, under extreme circumstances, transport nearly 100,000 lives at a time. And this is just a small ship in the aircraft series of the Naaru race. I heard that they also have 'fortress-class' starships.

It is said that it can transport millions of people at a time!
The kind-hearted Naaru often use this fortress-class starship to provide disaster support to their followers or crisis worlds in need of help.

Putting aside the inherent 'innate problems' of the Naaru race, in terms of their mobility alone, they can truly be called the most enthusiastic group of 'mythical creatures' in the physical universe."

Everyone else was stunned.

Including the technicians sent by the military to fly the aircraft, all the Eredar in the cockpit stared at Dick with doubtful eyes. Nellie couldn't help but ask:

"How come you're so familiar with the Naaru? Is this really something a high-ranking garrison officer like you should know?"

"The Awakener Cult has intelligence spies on this matter, and I've been undercover there for several years. Besides, I'm now a Brigadier General! Captain Nari, my rank is two levels higher than yours, so please use the honorific title."

Dick made up an excuse and played a workplace joke. No one else could find any fault with it. After all, the Awakener Cult was finished, and no one could jump out to accuse Dick of defrauding people in their name.

"Are we ready to go, Technician?"

Dick walked to the bridge and asked the technician who was adjusting the bridge.

He noticed that the other party's name "Romuul" was written on his nameplate, and his eyes immediately raised. He couldn't help but sigh in his heart again that the current Eredar civilization is really great.

On any quest, you may encounter a "big shot" like the Draenei Exile Master Technician from ten thousand years later.

"Of course, Your Excellency, Brigadier General." Romul, who was only a high-level technician now, did not have the confidence he would have ten thousand years later. He tried to make himself look more professional, started the aircraft according to the regulations, and flew everyone towards the coast.

Dick also wanted to learn how to fly an aircraft, but Romul said embarrassedly that if the Brigadier General wanted to get started, he had to go to the Technology Court to take an advanced pilot's license.

This is basically a subtle persuasion that as a garrison officer whose brains are all brawn, you'd better not learn such high-end skills.

This polite refusal made Dick very disappointed.

Because it was a secret mission, there was no one else in the aircraft except them. Dick didn't want to waste time, so he found a place to practice with the five little strong men on the spot.

Martial arts training requires that one should practice martial arts all the time and recite martial arts songs all the time, and one cannot slack off for even a single day. Especially when his proficiency in some combat skills is only "skilled", it really makes him feel insecure.

As we all know, if you don’t brush up all your skill proficiency to “proficient” or above, what’s the difference between you and a “newbie”?
The experienced Naili went to the lounge to take a nap, leaving the twins sitting in the crew cabin, constantly worrying that their sisters would be unlucky enough to encounter the legendary aircraft disintegration, even though Romul repeatedly assured them that the probability of such a situation occurring was less than the probability of fishermen catching an abyssal whale shark in the Eredas Sea.

Well, that's a bad joke.

The essence of this is that there are no legendary alien creatures like "whale sharks" in the ocean of the Argus world, which is really hilarious.

In short, after most of the day had passed, the aircraft completed its mission quickly and steadily. After Dick and the five little strong men finished eating the "airline meal" that came with the aircraft, they finally saw the scenery of the iconic petrified forest in Governor Krokuun's district from the observation deck.

This remote land is the birthplace of the Eredar civilization.

Legend has it that in ancient times, the earliest Eredar ancestors were born in this petrified forest.

At that time, this place was still a real primeval forest. It is now called the "Petrified Forest" because the legendary ancestor wizard Augure tamed the world's elements and triggered an "arcane storm" that swept the world.

It is said that the entire face of the world was permanently changed by that storm.

It is said that the mountains of Krokuun and Mac'Aree were once connected by a narrow ridge, but now the two continents are separated by the Eredar Sea, and the primeval forest that nurtured the Eredar has been transformed into its current form in the rise of arcane energy.

Large tracts of trees and forests transformed into shapes like ironwood rocks, turning the green forest into a gray spectacle.

The plants are still alive.

But their forms were changed by energy, and the Eredar lost the possibility of returning to their "homeland" because the terrain in the great forest was also permanently changed, and they could no longer find the way back to the legendary "Elemental Holy Land".

The myths and legends of the Eredar are not complicated, but almost everything in them is related to the "Ancestral Wizard", a mysterious figure that the Eredar can never avoid.

As a time traveler, Dick naturally knew that the original wizard really existed.

Sachir personally admitted that he was the last descendant of the lineage of the Ancestral Wizard. Judging from the information provided by Sachir before, the Ancestral Wizard had his own considerations for closing the ancestral land of the Eredar tens of thousands of years ago.

He wanted to cover up the "holy stone" that could communicate directly with the soul of the world.

But that was not to monopolize the secret of power, but simply to protect Argus's greatest treasure from being discovered and used by ambitious people.

Unfortunately, the ancestor wizard tens of thousands of years ago probably could never have imagined that the real threat to the Soul of Argus would never be within the planet, but in the sea of stars.

"Here we are."

Dick withdrew his thoughts and turned to the person behind him and said:
"Welcome to Krokuun, everyone. Welcome to my homeland."

As soon as these words fell, the aircraft that was flying at low altitude close to the sea surface accelerated and increased its altitude, passing over the cliff hundreds of meters above sea level, revealing the entire Krokuun Prairie to everyone.

"Wow!"

Imira exclaimed, and the others' eyes lit up.

From high above this vast frontier continental governorate, one can see the generally flat hilly areas covered with delightful green grass, natural pastures everywhere between the mountains, and large herds of grazing Talbuk sheep. The herders' towns are like star-shaped gems located near narrow water sources.

As Dick said, there is no huge city like Orona City here, but it is full of the same stunning natural scenery.

Just between the mountains on the edge of the sea cliff lies a majestic Eredar fortress, that is Keep Nathrax, the city where Governor Krokuun is located, the political center of this marginal area, and the place where Dick grew up.

Under Romul's control, the aircraft lowered its altitude and finally landed in the dedicated docking area of Nasrax Castle.

As they stepped off the aircraft, they saw a group of Eredar light cavalry riding fierce war talbuk sheep galloping towards them from a distance. Nari's eyes lit up and she exclaimed:
“What amazing riding skills!”

"Of course. The Krokuun are the best light cavalry in the Eredar civilization. Our Talbuk Riders and the Thunder Elephant Heavy Cavalry, abundant in the Antoran Plains, are two extremes, but equally deadly! The chaos among the nations during the early stages of the Second Co-Government Era was quickly quelled by the fleet-footed Jaeger Corps of Talbuk Riders."

Dick returned to his hometown in a very good mood and boasted about his fellow townsmen.

Although this was the hometown of "Diachem", he still felt the joy in his heart and walked forward quickly. Like a young shepherd boy, he put his fingers in his mouth and blew a long rhythmic whistle. The team of light cavalry in front quickly responded with hunting whistles.

When they approached, the leading light cavalry captain wearing leather armor jumped down without waiting for the goat to slow down. He rolled to release the force, stood up, took a few steps forward, and strode towards them with a smile.

He reached out and hugged Dick, saying happily:

"It's you, Diakham! Father Hatton received the news this morning, and I've been waiting for your return. We haven't seen each other for over thirty years, right?"

"To be exact, it has been thirty-seven years since I was taken away by that bastard Archimonde, Jaid, my good brother who grew up with me."

Dick patted the Eredar cavalryman in front of him, who was as tall and mighty as he was, without any unfamiliarity, and turned around to introduce him to the people behind him:
"This is my only friend besides you. He's the adopted son of Governor Hatton of Krokuun and the most powerful captain of the Light Cavalry, Jaid. We grew up together in an orphanage and have been bunking together for over a decade."

"You're welcome. Your friends are my friends, Brigadier General Dick."

Jaide smiled teasingly.

The locals were generous and open-minded. It was not difficult to know from his words that the news of Dick's promotion had spread back here. The other cavalrymen were also very enthusiastic about Dick with undisguised respect and admiration.

The reason is simple. Dick, an orphan, is almost the first "Brigadier General" born in the Krokuun Governorate in thousands of years since its establishment.

This is the true frontier of the Eredar civilization. Although the climate is good, the terrain is isolated and not suitable for the development of civilization.

The total population of the Eredar in Krokuun is less than half of that in the city of Oronaar. Among the several governorates of the Eredar civilization, this is also the most backward place. In fact, if this land was not the origin of the Eredar civilization, there probably wouldn't even be a governorate plan here.

After all, the nomadic social outlook has made no economic contribution, so it is understandable that it is not valued in the administrative system.

Dick always modestly calls himself a "country boy". It is not just modesty. Compared with Dick's poor background, the twins who came from the small town of Antoran Plain can call themselves "city people".

"Come with me quickly. Dad is very happy to know you're back. The castle chef has prepared a welcoming banquet and has already started slaughtering the Talbuk sheep."

Jaid enthusiastically invited others to join.

They brought enough mounted Talbuk sheep, and everyone quickly returned to Nasrax Castle, where the local governor, Archon Hatun, greeted them at the castle entrance.

This old Eredar was about the same age as Velen and Kil'jaeden, but his attire was rarely seen in the Mac'Aree region. Instead of a spellcaster's robe, he wore a garment made of animal skins and cloth.

This represents his identity.

This is a shaman who follows the ancient way of elements. It is a now deserted spellcasting profession, but it still has a lot of say in the Krokuun region.

"Governor Dad, I'm back!"

Dick strode forward and bowed ninety degrees to show his respect for the governor in front of him. In fact, when he was a child, he always called him father.

After all, the orphanage where he grew up was run by the governor in front of him.

"Ah, my child has returned, the wanderer of Krokuun has returned home."

Governor Hatton possessed the simplicity and generosity that were unique to the Krokuun people. He smiled and patted Dick on the shoulder, praising him:

"Good boy, I heard about your experience from a letter from my old friend Velen. Although you took the wrong path, you eventually returned to the right path and did not bring shame to our Krokuun! You are the first garrison brigadier general in the history of this grassland, and it is even more rare that you are still so young.

Perhaps this land will be handed over to you to take care of in the future.

Today's banquet is also held for you!"

"I don't want to spoil your fun, Governor."

Dick hesitated, then whispered his mission again.
"We can attend the banquet, but we have to leave for the Petrified Forest tonight. After all, it is related to the future of civilization. Please understand."

"Well, Viren told me in the letter."

Governor Hatton, the current leader of the Eredar shaman community, has had a long-standing friendship with Velen, and he also became serious when talking about serious matters.

As he led the group to the sturdy banquet hall of the large fortress, he said to Dick:
"In fact, in recent years, I've often heard the world's groans while communicating with the elemental spirits. Although I heard it occasionally before, the frequency has increased over the years. This may indicate that something is really going to happen in this world.

Also, Diakam, there is something that has always been hidden in my heart. More than ten years ago, the Enlightened One, Sachiel, secretly visited the Petrified Forest of Krokuun.

The Governor hesitated for a moment, then whispered to Dick:

"That time, I personally took him to find the legendary Holy Stone. But if I had known then that he had ulterior motives, I would never have helped him!"

"So, you actually know the exact location of the sacred stone, right?"

Dick's eyes lit up and he asked.

Governor Hatton shook his head and said:

"I only know the approximate location of that place from our ancient traditions, but the elemental spirits protect it. I will personally lead the way for you again. Unfortunately, whether you can find the sacred stone depends on you, Diakum.

Ancient elemental legends clearly state this: only the 'chosen' can find the holy land! And only the chosen can have the honor of conversing with the will of the world.

I don't want to discourage you, kid, but do you think you are the chosen one as amazing as Thal'kiel?"

"Honestly, I don't know."

Dick sighed and said frankly:
"But I must find the Stone! Fate whispers to me that a storm is coming, and for the sake of Krokuun and all of Argus, I must see Him! Whether He wishes to be disturbed or not."

(End of this chapter)