Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 217: 40. Lothar: The army is out of food! Orgrim: The barbarians are invading! - [Additional 25]

(Additional update for brother “Huo Zheng Ting Hao” [2/5])
"Does this 'demon plague' you're talking about have a high mortality rate?"

In Stormwind Cathedral, in the evening, Archbishop Alonsus Faol, who had just finished an unprecedented grand preaching in the warm welcome of local believers, was about to take a break when he was invited to a reception room by the king. The archbishop, who was still a middle-aged man in the prime of life, pushed the door open and saw that almost all the high-ranking officials of the kingdom were there.

And they were discussing a word that Bishop Fao had never heard before.

After realizing that this was a "plague" and had begun to spread in the port area of the northern border, the archbishop immediately asked a follow-up question.

"That's completely contrary to your concerns, Archbishop Fao."

Diakum explained to Fao in the gentle tone he used to address fellow believers:

"The Demonic Plague is almost non-lethal, but instead incredibly contagious. It works by forming spores of disease from distorted life force. They are invisible to the naked eye, and only Lifewalkers and Voidwalkers can perceive them more keenly. When we were fighting the Demonblood Orcs in Draenor, the evil warlocks of the War Horde unleashed a widespread Demonic Plague on my people and allies.

That disease infected almost half of the world in a short period of time, causing us great suffering."

“Not lethal.”

Faol was also a knowledgeable archbishop. He had dealt with plague in the Stratholme region when he was young. He was not relieved by the low mortality rate. On the contrary, this kind-hearted but resourceful archbishop frowned and said:
"Does that mean the demonic plague torments life in other ways?"

"Yes, it's almost impossible to cure without the right treatment. Even patients who survive won't produce curative antibodies. A person can be infected repeatedly, and each infection will cause the disease to degenerate."

Archbishop Naili said in a heavy tone:
“I’m not yet clear on the symptoms of human degeneration after being infected by the demonic plague, but my people will become both physically and mentally shattered.

This is a very vicious epidemic!

It will not cause too many deaths but will seriously weaken the strength and potential of the people of Azeroth, leaving you with almost no ability to fight back when facing the invasion of demons. It is a plague weapon specially developed by the Polluter Cenarius for the war in Azeroth.

Combined with what I've witnessed in the northern border, the high frequency of demonic activity indicates that the Burning Legion's war preparations in this world are nearly complete. Once the plague sweeps across the world, once the power of this world is weakened to a certain extent, you will have to face the demonic 'trial'."

"As far as I know, humans are not the first group to be infected by the plague. On the other side of the Endless Sea, on the continent of Kalimdor, the Kaldorei elves and goblins have already been infected. One of my chosen ones is currently handling this issue there."

Dick said seriously:

"But the Demonic Plague is spreading at an extraordinary rate. Even though only the port cities are currently infected, we must not take it lightly. According to the experience of the K'ure Alliance, it will spread to the entire continent in a month at most."

"In other words, even if the northern border countries want to send troops, we can't accept it."

Lothar said in a heavy tone:

"Given the current situation in Storm Kingdom, if the demonic plague were to strike again, the situation would only become more difficult. So, Saint Diakum, is there a solution to this disease?"

"Yes, and there are three kinds."

Dick and Nellie looked at each other, and the Archbishop showed her the Draenor Ring on his finger. She said:

"The Demon Plague is a disease derived from the unique vitality of the Draenor world. Therefore, the Healer's Ring, a divine ring sequence forged with the power of the world, can effectively curb the spread of the disease spores.

But it cannot be eradicated in this world, because the power of Draenor can only work on its homeland.

The second method is to invite the forest elves and tree shepherds from the Alliance of K'ure to come to Azeroth.

The forest elves are a clan of wild life, and they have been given new talents by the World Tree, which allows them to manipulate the spores of this disease. Although the demonic plague is an alienated variant of fel energy, it can still be dispelled by the forest elves.

"But the two worlds are separated by the sea of stars, and your followers have also said that the Dark Portal is currently not functioning properly."

King Llane rubbed his forehead and said:

"What's the third method?"

"The Felblood Orcs are immune to the effects of the Fel Plague because they have imbibed fel energy."

Dick said coldly to everyone around him:
"Embrace the fel, become a half-demon or a fel walker, and you will naturally be healed without medicine."

"hiss."

Everyone in the reception room gasped.

Those present are all leaders, and they can certainly taste the terrifying meaning of this sentence.

No wonder that big demon wanted to throw the plague into Azeroth. Besides weakening us, he also planned to use this thing to "recruit soldiers"!

"No! Absolutely not!"

Archbishop Fao immediately stood up, holding the hilt of the sword at his waist, and shouted sternly:
"This is blasphemy! This news must be suppressed. The people's blind fear in despair will be exploited, and then the entire northern border will be in flames! The devil's servants will spread across the entire continent. Then... then..."

"It cannot be stopped, it cannot be blocked, Archbishop Fao."

Lothar shook his head and said:
"Demons have already taken root in the northern border. I heard that the fanatical Grand Duke Mograine alone has killed at least three demons during this period. Don't you understand why they are lurking at this density?
The great demon of the polluter launched a combo!
It ambushed demons among us in advance just to wait for the outbreak of the demon plague. It is a really vicious plan. Once the demon plague spreads, a cult of demon worshippers will inevitably be established, and you will not be able to withstand such a counterattack at all.

The appearance of those who have fallen is inevitable."

"Holy Light!"

Archbishop Fao sat back in his chair dejectedly.

Before arriving in Stormwind, he saw human society as nothing more than division, disunity, and spiritual depravity. But after just one day here, he suddenly realized that the world he lived in was already in jeopardy, like walking on frozen ice.

The fact that I didn't fall into the water wasn't because the danger didn't exist, it was pure luck.

"Is this the horrific threat that Medivh sees?"

Ryan rubbed his eyes.

In the light of the warm fire burning in the fireplace, he whispered:
"No wonder he used such extreme means to promote unity. Unfortunately, even for him, it was too late."

Everyone in the room fell silent, and General Liresa Windrunner, who had been "eavesdropping" on the conversation in the next room, also changed her expression drastically. She gestured to her three daughters, who also looked shocked, to record the information immediately and send it back to Quel'Thalas. Then she gestured to the armored warrior sitting at the table drinking tea.

"Let's go there!"

The Ranger General said briefly:
"Now is no longer the time to hide behind humans and take advantage. If we don't handle this wave well, everyone will be in trouble. Humans have never fought against demons, but our ancestors experienced the ancient war. We must come up with a plan immediately."

"The plan? The plan is in the hands of that alien saint."

The half-elf lady, who was covered tightly with armor, stood up and picked up her Phoenix swords. She said casually:

"That saint was very cunning. He controlled the rhythm of the conversation, first instilling fear and then announcing his plan. He didn't seem like a follower of the Holy Light, but rather like a shadow walker of the Sangunar family, planning before acting.

I'm just not sure why he would help us.
You know, sister-in-law, I don’t believe there is love without reason in this world.”

"Calling yourself on the job while working!"

General Liresa scolded softly:

"This is outside, not at home."

"Ah, yes, Ranger General! Daenerys Nar'thalas, Commander of the Farstriders, is at your command."

The two knocked on the door and then walked into the room to the welcome of the humans.

No one here was surprised by their eavesdropping. In fact, if they didn't want the elves to hear the conversation, they wouldn't have placed them next door.

Politics lies in such details.

"Please don't beat around the bush, Saint Diakham."

General Reesa said bluntly:
"Since you've proactively pointed out the threat of the Demon Plague, it means you already have a plan to break the impasse. You Eredar have defeated the Demonblood Orcs and dealt a heavy blow to the Burning Legion before. Your experience is definitely worth learning from.

So, tell me, how are you going to get us to cooperate?"

Everyone turned their attention to Diakum, and the Saint didn't keep the secret any longer. He said:

"First, I must go to the Tomb of Sargeras and get the staff that allows us to travel freely between the two worlds. Then I can bring some forest elves and holders of the Ring of Healing, and at least build a 'sanctuary' for Stormwind City that is not affected by the plague.

This place will become a beacon of faith in times of war. All individuals across the Eastern Continent who refuse to be tortured, regardless of their political views or beliefs, will converge here, united under a single banner, led by a single voice, to fight for survival.

Diakum glanced at Lothar.

The latter moved his shoulders uncomfortably and heard a sneer. He turned around and found that the armored warrior brought by Liresa was leaning against the wall with his arms folded, as if mocking him.

What's wrong with this elf?
Sir Lothar complained in his heart.

But no one paid attention to this little detail; they were all listening to Diakum's plan.

"Secondly, while the Greenskin War continues, elite warriors must travel to the northern border to find the Book of Medivh, which is said to be scattered in Alterac."

The Vigilant said:

"That book contains the correct method for building the Dark Portal and driving it. We must have that door to truly connect Azeroth and Draenor, bringing together the power of the two worlds to resist the common enemy.

In this way, the forest elves can arrive in Azeroth on a large scale and eliminate the effects of the plague for the infected people everywhere.

And we have to be quick!

This must be done before the polluters' local 'guide party' is formed, otherwise once the devil worshippers gain the upper hand, the situation we face will be very difficult.

Last but not least.”

He stood up in human form and said to Lothar and King Llane:

“You have to win this battle!
And fast! We need to defeat the greenskins' attack before the plague arrives and at least preserve Stormwind. This city must become a 'fulcrum', otherwise no matter how good our plan is, there will be no possibility of it being realized.

I will stay here to assist you, but Lady Aegwynn may open the seal of the Tomb of Sargeras at any time, and I must rush there without delay.

Then you’re on your own.”

Diakum paused, then said more emphatically:

“I once fought against fate on my own and achieved a less than perfect victory, but after reflecting on the light and shadow, I found that this was not the best way to change my fate.

You are the carriers of destiny, I cannot replace you.

If you must reach a certain point in order to smoothly reverse the cruel course of fate, then you must persist under its impact until that point arrives, and I can give you the final and swift assist to completely shake your fate.

That is the test it gives you, and I cannot take its place.

This is your war, after all.”

------

"Burn all the supplies in these warehouses! It's too late for us to take them away. The orc wolf riders will be here at any moment."

The Eastvale area of Elwynn Forest, after the fall of Redridge Mountains, this quiet and beautiful place once regarded as a "vacation" by the civilians and nobles of Stormwind Kingdom also became the front line.

Duke Bolvar Fordragon, who is stationed here with his troops, is directing the soldiers to make the final processing of the supplies at the East Valley Lumberyard.

They set up a defense line along the river near Azura's Tower, which was the most suitable area for fighting in the flat terrain of Elwynn Forest. However, there was also a large watchtower near the sawmill where some warriors were stationed, and the only griffon knights in Lord Bolvar's hands were also deployed there.

Once the orcs attack, the griffin riders will immediately take off and carry out bombing.

"Grand Duke, do you really want to burn them all?"

Major Martin, under Duke Bolvar, said with some reluctance:

"Several nearby farms have been destroyed. The farmers were forced to evacuate with tears in their eyes. They blamed us, saying it wasn't the orcs who ruined their lives, but us. I know they were just angry words, but..."

"This is Marshal Lothar's order! We cannot leave any supplies for the orcs."

The Grand Duke was also a commander skilled in archery and horsemanship. Although he had less battlefield experience, he was not unfamiliar with warfare. He approved of Lothar's strategy.

He rode on his warhorse and explained to his subordinates:

"Our allies from another world told us that orcs don't produce anything and are a nomadic clan. They can only fight by plundering! If they can't grab anything, they will starve to death without us even having to resist.

What we have done in recent days is for this strategic purpose, Major, we must ensure that the orcs cannot obtain even a grain of food from Elwynn Forest!"

"And we have the fertile West"

Major Martin said thoughtfully:
"As long as we defend Stormwind City and the granary, the orcs will be trapped and die in Elwynn Forest and Redridge Mountains."

"Yes, it's a crude but effective strategy. Do you expect those destroyers to farm on their own? If they could learn how to farm, they wouldn't have been driven from their world to ours."

The Grand Duke sneered and shouted to the soldiers around him:

"Don't be afraid of the greenskins, warriors! They are just a bunch of losers. If the alien warriors of the Alliance of K'ure can defeat them, we can do the same!"

"whoosh"

A flash of fire shot up into the sky from afar and then exploded into a ball of fireworks. The Grand Duke immediately put on his helmet and shouted to the soldiers:

"The greenskins are coming, warriors! Retreat to the riverside defense line and let this become the greenskins' death place!"

"As ordered!"

The warriors followed the Grand Duke back to their defense line with great momentum. Soon, a griffin knight flew in from the front tower. The knight riding the griffin landed on the ground, ran a few steps, and shouted to the Grand Duke:

"Duke, those who are coming are not orcs! They are gnolls! The darkskin gnolls of Redridge Mountains have surrendered to the orcs. They are led by wolf riders to attack us. The number is quite astonishing."

"What? Gnoll?"

The Grand Duke was stunned for a moment and was about to mock these beasts for their shamelessness, but then he suddenly thought of a horrible fact.

Gnolls are a generational threat to Stormwind Kingdom. Not only are there large numbers of gnolls in Redridge Mountains, but there are also in Elwynn Forest, and even in the Western Plains there is a huge and difficult-to-eliminate gnoll tribe.

In the era before the arrival of the orcs, these beasts were the most troublesome enemies of mankind.

But if the gnolls of Redridge Mountains were all recruited by the orcs, then the beasts of Elwynn Forest would
"Oh no, there's danger in Gold Shining Town!"

Bolvar grabbed the griffon rider's wrist and shouted at him:
"Fly to Goldshire immediately and have the defenders there prepare to meet the enemy! At the same time, notify Marshal Lothar and have him send reinforcements to the Western Fertile Plains immediately. The gnolls of the Riverclaw clan will become the sharp knife that the greenskin orcs will plunge into our hearts."

"Duke, look! There's movement over at Stone Lake."

Major Martin shouted.

The Grand Duke grabbed the telescope and looked towards the flank of his defense line. Under the cover of night, along the river of Stele Lake, a small but very dense army was charging towards him.

Those guys were running.

They hold crude weapons and wear worn leather armor, with a ferocious jackal head on top of their human-shaped bodies, and they make strange howls when running.

Gnoll.

A gnoll who was shouting something damn "Black Wolf God!"

The Grand Duke's palms were sweating.

The defenses he personally supervised were strong, and the soldiers were brave. He was confident that even if faced with the onslaught of the orc wolf riders, they would be able to hold out until the mages of Azura's Tower arrived to support them. However, if they were attacked from both sides...
"Knight, follow me forward and defeat the flank first! Martin, you hold the line, I will return in time."

Bolvar Fordragon pulled down the visor of his helmet and rode forward. He could imagine that tonight would be an absolutely fierce battle, but the Fordragon family had served the royal family of Wrynn for generations, and he was born and raised here.

If he must serve this land and his king, he must face death with no fear.

Holy Light!
Please bless this country and this land.

(End of this chapter)