Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 238, Section 61: Poor Zulushid, toyed with by Ogre's hammer - Bonus Chapter [35]

(Bonus chapter for "Huo Zheng Ting Hao" [3/5])
"Are you all ready?"

Around noon a day later, a weary traveler, Aegwynn finally returned to Stormwind.

Judging from her weary appearance, the former Guardian had been very busy these past few days. In response to her question, Diakum, who was ready to depart at any moment, countered with:
"You found that place?"

“Yes, in the heart of the Silithus desert, beneath the millennia-old sands, there is a place that closely resembles the ‘Heart Chamber’ you described.”

Aegwynn took out a map, pointed to her mark, and said:

"That place is hidden very deep, even deep between the mantle and the magma. No detection magic can detect it. I was forced to use a little 'forbidden magic,' but I still couldn't get in."

As you said, the power of C'Thun, the Thousand-Eyed Demon revered as a 'god' by the Qiraji people, is sealed behind the Beetle Wall, and its corrupt tentacles even extend to the outer perimeter of the Chamber of Hearts.

The seal left by the Titans has failed, and C'Thun has used the prison's connection to the outside world to find the Chamber of the Heart.

That damned evil is corrupting our World Soul through that place! It must be purified, otherwise we will have no way to bypass its interference and make any contact with the Star Soul.

"We'll get started on this once we get back from Draenor."

Diakum nodded seriously.

He thought for a moment and said to Aegwynn:

"If you do not intend to stay in Draenor, then after sending us there, I will ask you to make another trip to Kalimdor to deliver this message to His Majesty King Kurtalos of the Black Ravens."

If they also intend to completely eliminate the corrupt insectoid empire and their dark god, then the two sides could certainly join forces.

You also need to convey the method to cure the demonic plague to the rulers of the Kaldorei, urging them to come and meet with the Forest Sage as soon as possible.

"I have a better idea!"

Aegwynn glanced at the ravens flying around Stormwind and said:
"Let these druids who are stranded here go with you, let them see the World Tree of Draenor with their own eyes. The Kaldorei elves are a conservative race, and they will find it difficult to make a decision without seeing the power of the Kaldorei Alliance firsthand."

Furthermore, they must learn to manipulate 'degenerate spores' and pass them on to their druid companions in the Cenarion Circle, thus contributing to cleansing the world of the shadow of the plague.

We can't just call on the forest spirits every time this happens in the future; after all, we're from different worlds.

As for the Black Crow King...
I will return to Kalimdor with your demon hunter, Arandion, and deliver the Illidari's warning to them as well.

"Excuse me."

Dick said that was good, and after checking the time, he said:
“Once Prince Varian arrives as an envoy of Stormwind, we can set off. Please first open a portal to Desolace for the orcs of Mag'har, whose people are stranded there and are very worried.”

A moment later, a royal carriage hurriedly arrived and stopped in front of the designated teleportation point in the mage district.

The car door opened, and Varian, dressed in a prince's formal attire and with a ceremonial sword at his waist, jumped out. The boy was dressed very maturely today, with a blue royal sash on his body, and even a hint of majesty could be seen from his tense little face.

Perhaps it was the tempering of war that made this child grow up so quickly.

Lothar and Khadgar alighted from the carriage on the other side. Seeing Khadgar also appear as a traveler, Diakum exclaimed in surprise:

"Are you coming along too?"

“I originally intended to stay here to assist the marshal, but His Highness needs protection.”

Khadgar explained:

"This trip will not last long. According to you, I will be back in seven days at most. So, at Queen Talia's request, I will serve as the prince's guard and take the opportunity to check on your site selection and progress regarding the Dark Portal."

Although I don't understand that magic very well, Medivh taught me some unusual spatial teleportation techniques.

I think it's probably related to the Dark Portal.

"Please pass this on to the leader of the Kourei Alliance as a gift for the alliance."

Lothar handed a beautiful box to Diakum, who took it, opened it, and was surprised to find that it was a war horn adorned with white ivory and luxurious crystal.

This is clearly the work of an elf; other races don't have this much exaggerated artistic talent.

"The Lion's Horn, a family heirloom of the Varian royal family."

Lothar explained:
"This is a war horn used by Emperor Thoradin 2,800 years ago. It doesn't have many magical effects, but it has extraordinary historical significance for mankind. I know you certainly don't lack this magical item, but as the party requesting help, we must show our appreciation."

Please consider this a gesture of goodwill from the Kingdom of Stormwind.

"Yes, I will pass it on to the leaders."

Dick handed the gift to Nellie for safekeeping, then lowered his head and said earnestly to little Varian:

"This is just a formality. As the third-largest ruler of the Draenei, I can actually decide on the alliance between the two sides. However, the Kourei Alliance is, after all, a group, so Your Highness Varian's diplomatic mission is quite important, and you may need to stay there for a while."

"If this can help my father and my country, then I will do my utmost!"

Varian said in a deep voice.

His posture drew nods of approval from those around him, and Irene even secretly gave the little prince a thumbs up. She thought highly of the child, believing he had a "kingly aura," although Irene herself, who would become a leader in the future, didn't quite understand what that "kingly aura" meant.

"Huh? What's with this box?"

Khadgar saw Chromie and Teregosa pushing an ordinary-looking crate towards them, secured with a very intricate magical lock. Curious, he asked a question, to which Diakum calmly replied:

“These are some ‘materials’ we’ve collected in Azeroth. We need to take them back to our Naaru to see. They might be related to the will of the Holy Light.”

"Oh, a religious item."

Khadgar nodded and didn't ask any further questions.

Losa sighed softly:

"That Ms. Katarina was really efficient. She returned to the northern frontier immediately after receiving the news, without even wanting to waste time on a meal. The supplies she brought and the luxurious ship she left behind were indeed a great help to us at this delicate moment."

Stormwind owes her a favor.

Such high efficiency is truly remarkable; the Presto family is indeed a pillar of humanity.

"Yes, as long as their bottom line is not touched, the Presto family is indeed reassuring as an ally."

Dick chimed in with a comment.

As a result, Shadow Words mocked his hypocrisy in his ear and praised him as already an outstanding Voidwalker.

Those who are vigilant readily accept this assessment.

If even the Shadow Words say so, it seems the Trial of Light and Shadow has reached a very deep level. It's time to complete it in one fell swoop in Kalimdor.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Lady Aegwynn returned, and several Storm Ravens landed near the teleportation point. Among them was the Archdruid, who spoke like a riddle. She was very interested in the peculiar "wild nature" of Draenor and planned to go and see for herself, while also searching for a cure for the Demonic Plague.

The plague's infecting humans was merely a side effect; its true target was the elves. The Archdruid's urgency made it impossible for her to refuse the invitation.

Before the teleportation began, the Watcher remembered something he had said to Lothar:

"Is that Naga matriarch still imprisoned in Stormwind prison?"

"Don't mention her."

Lothar said with a gloomy expression:
"That soft-skinned snake seduced the jailer. Luckily, Khadgar discovered it early, otherwise she would have escaped the night before last. But even so, several poor, strong men were drained of their energy, and they all looked as if they had aged decades."

What depraved creatures!
However, yesterday, contrary to her usual behavior, she sent me a message through the female mage who was guarding her. She said that she was willing to gather her deep-sea clan to help the Stormwind Kingdom defend its sea frontier and to strike hard against the demons' minions.

To be honest, I don't trust her; I don't believe a single word she said.

"She has her own purpose."

Dick spoke to Losa in the language of spirit:
"The reason I kept her is to use her to find the same dangerous evil creature that is likely located in the southern border of the continent. Her sudden change in attitude may indicate that the evil creature is within the kingdom's territory."

That thing is related to the Naga's apparent master, the 'Pioneer'.

You'd better send a message to old Merri or Lord Farondis, asking one of them, or a trusted high spellcaster, to secretly come and oversee the situation. Use the Deep Sea Mother as bait, and when the evil creature appears, capture and seal it away in one fell swoop.

Remember, do not involve any ordinary people.

The resolute Archbishop Fao can offer assistance, but you'd better not get directly involved.

"I see."

Lothar nodded.

Aegwynn waved the sinister Sargeras scepter to open a portal to Draenor. After everyone entered in an orderly fashion, Diakum placed the last few Dark Crystals of His Majesty the Khala in his possession into a bag and handed them to Lothar.

He said goodbye:

"Make good use of these crystals to forge your own 'Ashbringers' for humanity, Your Majesty."

“I get a headache every time you bring this up.”

Lothar accepted the crystal, and waved goodbye to Diakum, saying:

“I need some time to convince myself, but I promise that if my people need me to step up and sit in that position, I will not back down. Good luck, Dick.”

"Wait for me to return, Lothar, and protect your people."

"— Warchief, Elwynn Forest has sent a battle report: the siege of Stormwind has failed, Warchief Fenris has been killed in action, and Zul'jid has temporarily taken command."

A robust Warsong Orc warlord strode into Orgrim's tent and handed a letter to the Warchief, who nodded and paused writing on a leather scroll. As he read the letter, he said:

"Overseer Markorock, what do you think of the progress of our war with the Dark Iron Dwarves?"

"Of course, everything went smoothly, Great Chief."

The robust warlord laughed heartily and said:
"Those Dark Iron dwarves are no match for the Horde army. We have already taken Gianthammerstone, Pillar of Ash, and Ruins of Thaurissan. In a few more days, your mighty warriors will be able to take Flame Peak for you."

At that time, the Dark Iron dwarves will retreat to their mountain fortresses, and the slaves of various races whom we have rescued will all express their willingness to join us in attacking those damned slave owners.

They all wanted to worship the Black Wolf God.

“But a warrior as brave as you, who is known for his prowess in Draenor, should not be proud of the victory you have just achieved. You know very well that the real difficulties will come once the Dark Iron dwarves enter the mountains.”

The chieftain sighed and said:

"You saw what the Shattered Hand Assassins brought back. That mountain was so well-managed by the Dark Iron Dwarves that it was practically impregnable."

“But you are trying to retrain the shaman, Great Chieftain.”

Marcoloch had his own opinion on this, and the robust warlord said in a deep voice:

"As long as we have enough war shamans, a mountain is nothing to stop us. Moreover, it went smoothly for you to send people to contact the local Burning Thorn trolls. They are locals and know this place very well."

Those greedy Dark Iron dwarves are unwilling to give up the mines they've cultivated for so long; they'll only keep sending people to their deaths!

"Perhaps we can be a little smarter."

The high chief smiled, turned around, wrote a few more lines on the animal skin scroll, then rolled it up and handed it to Warlord Markorok, saying:

"I need a powerful, brave, and risk-taking messenger to deliver this letter to Emperor Thaurissan of the Dark Iron Dwarves. We have demonstrated our fighting prowess, and the Dark Iron Dwarves should learn to communicate with us as equals."

I do not want to waste the lives of my soldiers in this pointless war.

Would you like to go?

"Of course, Great Chieftain, it is my honor... cough cough, it is my duty!"

The Warsong Warlord originally wanted to say "glory," but he suddenly remembered that the Great Chieftain hated that word, so he changed his words in time.

Orgrim was pleased. He patted Malkorok on the shoulder and said:

“I plan to select the elites from various tribes to form a special clan that obeys only the orders of the Great Chieftain. I will call it ‘Kukalon.’ If you are willing, I hope you will become the commander of Kukalon.”

“But I am the Warsong Clan’s Warlord, High Warchief, and I am willing to contribute my strength to your conquest, but I must obtain the approval of Warchief Grom Hellscream.”

Markorock patted his chest with his fist, then turned and left the tent.

Orgrim nodded slightly at the resolute figure standing there.

He had been watching Marko Rock for a long time.

This young and valiant orc also drank the demon blood, but he was able to control his anger, just like Nazgrell. He still had a sense of awe for ancient traditions, and most importantly, he knew how to obey and not let the desire to be slaughtered dominate him.

These are the orcs the Warchief wants, and only when there are more and more orcs like this will the greenskins have hope.

As for the battle reports sent from Stormwind Kingdom, Orgrim didn't even bother to read them.

He didn't even need to guess how Zulushid had gathered those vanguard warriors, nor did he want to consider the warlock's boastful words and his thirst for power.

Even if Zul'Gurub wanted to be Warchief now, Orgrim could happily hand over the throne to him and lead his promising greenskins to start anew.

Eitrigg, who remained in Redridge Mountains, would continue to "divide" the greenskin orcs: the brutal ones would be sent to Zul'Farrak, while the hopeful ones would be sent to the Burning Steppes to be trained. Orgrim considered it a great thing that Stormwind had not been captured.

Medivh wanted them to forge unity among humanity, so let the brutal butchers continue to fulfill that role.

If they want to fight, then let them fight!
Humans will become more resilient through such conflicts, and tribes will become more pure through such conflicts.

Zulushid will perfectly fulfill his "duty," as for Fenris.
Well, Fenris's death is a regrettable thing, but the Black Wolf God has taken him to a good place for conquerors. May the "Iron Wolf" of Frostfire Ridge be able to make a name for himself there.

"Orgrim, Grom is awake. Go see him."

The whisper of the Black Wolf God made the Warchief look up sharply. He immediately rushed out of the tent, mounted his dire wolf, and headed towards Gianthammer Rock, the Horde's temporary rear in the Burning Steppes, where Grom Hellscream was stationed.

When Orgrim arrived, a crowd of orcs had gathered at the entrance to the cave at Gianthammerstone, but no one dared to go in.

Upon seeing the Warchief arrive, the Warsong Orcs excitedly stepped forward to tell him about Grom Hellscream's awakening. However, Grom seemed like a different person upon waking up; he wouldn't allow the other Orcs to disturb him.

"What? You're saying he's as melancholic as a poet?"

The Great Chieftain stared dumbfounded at the War Song Overlord before him, who nodded vigorously and embellished the story:

"Perhaps an evil spirit has possessed our mighty chieftain. His current weakness disgusts us! You should go and awaken him, so that he can become the invincible Grom Hellscream once more!"

This change was beyond Orgrim's imagination.

He dismissed the others and entered the cave alone, where he found Grom sitting on the "coffin lid" in the darkest part of the cave.

Just as the Warsong Orcs had predicted, he was no longer the boisterous and arrogant man he once was. He sat there quietly, his gaze unfocused as he stared ahead.

But Orgrim could sense that Grom hadn't become weaker.

On the contrary, his sharpness became even more deadly after he concealed it, like a peerless sword hidden in its sheath, which would surely draw blood once it was drawn!

"Grom, are you alright?"

The chieftain asked a question.

"I'm fine, even too fine."

Grom said in a hoarse voice:

“Those noisy fellows told me what you’ve been doing lately. You want them to live? To live until the Black Wolf God’s promised time for the Star Hunt?”

"I really can't hide it from you."

Orgrim smiled, sat down on the rock opposite Grom, and said:

"But you are different from us. You are the chosen one of the Black Wolf God, and you have a greater mission to shoulder. I need to explain it to you."

"unnecessary!"

Hellscream waved his hand and said calmly:
"I know why I live, no need to emphasize it. Give me an axe, don't let anyone bother me, and tell me when you need me to kill someone. But you'd better not stop me when I need to face my real enemy."

"The Warsong Clan and the conquest are no longer relevant to me."

"But Gorehowl is shattered. I am seeking a strategic alliance with the Dark Iron Dwarves to rebuild Gorehowl for you with the help of their forging skills."

Orgrim explained:
"Our agreement with Medivh is to help him bring unity to humanity. I've thought about it, and it's not enough for the Stormwind Kingdom to feel the pressure of war alone. I plan to use the conflict between the Dark Iron Dwarves and the Bronzebeard Dwarves to draw the dwarves into this war as well, and then the human kingdoms of the North Frontier."

What they really need isn't war! Grom, what humanity truly needs to unite is pressure!
We only need to put pressure on them to survive, which will help the Black Wolf God spread his faith. In this way, we can preserve our strength to prepare for the 'Demonic Blood Calamity'. At that time, you can also unleash your anger to your heart's content.

The demon demigod who corrupted the orcs with his own blood, and Cenarius the Corruptor who manipulated it all from behind the scenes!
They are our real enemies!
The orcs must execute them themselves, or we will never deserve any form of redemption.

"Okay! Let's proceed according to this plan."

Grom stood up, rubbed his stomach, and said:

"Get me some food, and just give me an axe. I'm going to the Dark Iron dwarves. If you want to form an alliance with them, you can't just beg. They need to know clearly that they can't afford to mess with us."

"How can you manage by yourself?"

In the swaying shadows, a weary Kargath Shattered Hand appeared in the darkness of the cave. He waved his mangled arm, severed at the wrist, and grinned, saying:
"I've heard that the weapons forged by the Dark Iron dwarves are the best on this continent. Look, Grom, I also need a new fist blade. Let's go together, you go intimidate them, and I'll challenge them."

If those short kings don't know what's good for them, then teach them a lesson.

"it is good."

Grom nodded, not refusing the request to join him.

His calmness sent chills down Kargath's spine. A moment later, as Orgrim left the cave, Kargath whispered to him:
“I used to think I could fight Grom to a standstill, or at least take him down with me, but now I feel like that guy could kill me with a single axe blow. What power did the Black Wolf God give him?”

"It wasn't given by the Black Wolf God, Kargath."

Orgrim glanced at the cave and whispered:

"That was Grom's own power. He died once, and he realized something extraordinary. And I feel that he... he strangled himself once. Do you understand what I mean?"

It turns out that the war-crazed Grom is dead.

I can't say what kind of soul is currently residing in his body.

"Hmph, I don't want to be his enemy anyway, but are you sure it's really a good idea to put someone like Zul'hild in Stormwind Kingdom?"

He'll mess things up sooner or later.

"It's only a matter of time before the warlocks do bad things, but rest assured, Zul'Thuzad is only one step away from being as hated as Gul'dan. The humans won't have time to bother us until he falls."

(End of this chapter)