Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 255, Section 12. Yrel: The Vigilant also did things like creating new elven lineages!

Shadow Words had made some very sinister suggestions during some of Dick's meditative moments.

It believes that now that the plague has spread to Azeroth and turned it into this mess, and that the Alliance of K'uree has the "strategic weapon" of the Forest Spirits, Diakum can completely "use the Forest Spirits to command the world".

By selling the natural seeds of the forest spirits, they forcibly united those divided forces under Diakum's control.

This is absolutely necessary.

The demons won't wait until Azeroth is ready to launch their invasion. If Diakum is on the level of the Corruptors, the best time for him to attack Azeroth would be when all life on the world is weakened by the plague.

A single, decisive attack at a key point could easily wipe out the entirety of Azeroth.

From this perspective, the world doesn't actually have as much time as others imagine to confront the devil.

Especially when Diakum returned to Azeroth this time and heard from the mages of Dalaran that a large-scale "Doomsday Prophet" cult had appeared in the Northlands, he knew that the minions of the demons had actually penetrated deep into the shadows of this world, and that the army of the corrupted was getting closer to this place every day.

But Diakum ultimately did not choose to accept Shadowword's suggestion.

On the one hand, this forcibly created unity is very fragile. The demons are not stupid. They released the plague to create division and bewitch people. Once Diakum uses the forest spirits to forcibly create unity, the demons will probably launch a strong attack immediately.

On the other hand, there's not enough time!
"We must deal with the plague more efficiently."

In his room at Cenarion Hold, Governor Torsedrin, a seasoned politician among the Highborne, made no attempt to conceal his intentions.

This leader, dressed in a luxurious golden robe, with long white hair tied in a long braid, and possessing great poise and elegance, toyed with the platinum scepter he held as a magic wand, and said to Diakum:

"The forest spirits' natural healing is certainly the best option, but I knew before I came here that it was not suitable for the Highborne! Farondis also realized this, otherwise he wouldn't have been in such a hurry to invite us to meet with you."

I noticed a trace of shadow on you, which indicates that you are not a pure Holy Light Walker, Lord Diakum.

When you used Stormwind to announce to all the races afflicted by the plague that you had a way to solve the degeneration of flesh, I think that method must have been more than just the assistance of the forest spirits.

We're here, and we need your help, so please stop hiding anything.

What do you need us to do?
Most importantly, what can we gain?

“You are quick-witted and value efficiency, so I won’t hide it anymore.”

Dick handed the scroll he had written the night before to Governor Tosedlin, who took it, glanced at it, and then looked at Diakum with surprise.

他 说:

"Specialized Salas calligraphy practice? Not bad, barely comparable to the calligraphy I wrote when I was 12 years old. It's just a bit too crafty. Don't be so hard on yourself, sir. Calligraphy is also a matter of talent."

"The key is the content!"

The vigilant officer raised his voice, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes.

The elven governor nodded apologetically and carefully examined the contents. He was immediately surprised upon reading it. As a magic prince appointed by Azshara, it was hard to say what kind of person Tosedrin was, but his magical talent was definitely unquestionable.

Although he had not studied the power of the void much before, upon seeing this profound magical principle, he knew that it was not a figment of his imagination, but a unique ritual derived from the essence of the power of the void.

"This is a lower variant of the great mystery of 'Curse of Flesh and Blood'."

Dick explained:
"Before you all arrived, a tragedy occurred in Nanfeng Village where dark trolls knelt before an evil god to regain their appearance. The Old God C'Thun, who was sealed beneath the Silithus Desert, used his power to reshape their appearance."

This is a manifestation of the Void Force's power to manipulate flesh and blood.

However, we cannot allow all the elves degenerated by the plague to risk being covered and reshaped by the Curse of Flesh; that would be too dangerous.

Not everyone's will can withstand the temptations of emptiness.

Therefore, I hope that you all can unite with me to complete this 'Void Ascension' ritual, introducing the entropy energy of the Void into the bodies of those elves who are about to be degenerated by the demonic plague, so that the power of the Void can bless and protect them.

Because of the void's ability to control flesh and blood, as long as there is entropy energy protecting the body, even if it is only a small part, the degenerative effect of the demonic plague will be greatly weakened.

This has nothing to do with the strength of an individual's vitality, because it is a conflict and collision between primal forces.

In this way, as long as an elf possesses void entropy energy within him, he can be protected from degeneration. Of course, this is extremely risky, so I cannot make this decision on behalf of the leaders.”

Governor Tosedlin remained silent for a long time.

He carefully examined the unfinished ritual text before him. After several minutes of contemplation, he rubbed his temples in frustration, causing the two elegant braids on either side of his forehead to sway.

他 说:

"This will create a completely new elven lineage! It will still involve dealing with the most dangerous void in the Force, and even just drawing entropy into their bodies will completely change the appearance of my people. May I ask where you got such a bold and audacious inspiration?"

Diakum glanced at Iriel, who was guarding the door.

He whispered:

"Due to some 'accidents' before, I witnessed the birth of a group of 'light-eating' elves. Their 'worship' of the Holy Light replaced their original addiction to magic, leading them onto the path of discipline and self-control."

In that incident, I became aware of the elves' special constitution.

Perhaps this is a blessing from Azeroth.

Other races can't change their form like you can by being infected by external forces. In fact, to put it a bit arrogantly, could the transformation of you by the plague be seen as the result of being infected by the life force?

After all, although you have lost your elegant appearance after being transformed into dark trolls by the plague, you have gained a strong physique, and even the demonic addiction that plagues you will be weakened to an acceptable level.

It's like a 'one-click format' of the life force, bringing you back from a doomed state to the realm of normal life.

Therefore, from a neutral perspective, I really can't say whether the transformation of the Demon Plague is a good thing or a bad thing for you.

But I suspect that if you cannot accept the prospect of becoming dark trolls, then this dangerous ascension ritual becomes the current option. C'Thun's seduction proves that the void can heal the demonic plague, but as you said, this process absolutely cannot be dominated by a void entity like C'Thun.”

Tosedrin nodded.

The governor carefully put away the scroll, bowed to Diakum, and said:
"Thank you for your valuable insights. This 'Ascension Ritual' is of great significance to us, but I need some time to think about it and discuss it with my other companions. Blue Moon, Sandara, Farodis, and I will help you complete the missing parts of this ritual as soon as possible."

This is precisely our area of ​​expertise.

Next, as agreed, we will help you and the Kaldorei eliminate the dark power hidden deep beneath the yellow sand.

I also want to see with my own eyes just how powerful the 'Thousand-Eyed Demon' will be, to show us poor souls trapped in this desperate situation.

The restrained and cautious High Elf leader turned and left.

He did not give Diakum a clear answer. As he said, this ritual of having the people voluntarily accept another kind of Force energy was too dangerous, and even in the name of "salvation," it had to be discussed and deliberated repeatedly before a decision could be made.

However, before Tosedrin left, Diakum asked:

"Shouldn't the Highborne faction leader also be Archmage Elisande? Hasn't she received the Black Raven King's message? Or does she not intend to participate in this self-rescue effort?"

She chose to remain silent.

Tosedrin spoke in a tone that was three parts disdain, two parts sarcasm, and the remaining five parts pure indifference:
"Upon realizing that the plague was spreading across the Broken Isles, Elisande chose to strengthen the Night Shield of Suramar to the point of 'closed-door'."

The shield was powered by a Titan artifact in the Nightwell, a concentrated manifestation of arcane order. The plague spores could not penetrate that level of magical shield to enter Suramar, and the demons lurking in Suramar who wanted to cause trouble were swiftly eliminated by Varok and his Queen's Royal Guard.

The Archmage ensured Suramar's temporary safety through very 'bloody' means.

She clearly didn't think the plague would affect her Nightborne faction, so she chose to watch us make a fool of ourselves while the other elves were struggling to save themselves.

I even think Elisande would want all elves except the Nightborne to degenerate into dark trolls, so that only she and her Shadore could claim to be the legitimate rulers of the elven empire.

She was such a short-sighted ruler.

She was not lacking in wisdom, but she relied too much on the Titan artifact to see the future, especially when the river of fate was stirred up to the point that no prophet could accurately see the future, and the restless part of her personality took over.

"Don't count on her, Your Excellency Diakum." Governor Tosedlin chuckled coldly and said:
"But will the demons really stand by and watch Suramar remain pure? I suspect the corrupted will give Elisande a big 'surprise' when they enter this world, and then we'll be the ones having fun."

Ah, a shortsighted person has no right to sit in the position of leader; she will personally destroy Surama's glory.

I'm certain her fate will be far more tragic than anyone anticipates, but she doesn't deserve any sympathy!

After saying this, he bowed slightly to Diakum, then pushed open the door and left.

Iriel leaned closer and said to the vigilant in a surprised tone:

"Sir, so your plan for the Highborne elves to save themselves is to imitate me and create the 'Light Eaters' clan? You also plan to create your own elven lineage? Wow, that's a brilliant idea."

"In terms of actions alone, that is true, but I don't think I created the Elf lineage for the same reason as you."

Dick glanced at Irelia, whose little tail was wagging vigorously and who was clearly in a good mood, and said:

"The Rondorei Void Elves will become the only way for the elves currently suffering from the plague to save themselves in despair. This is not something to be joked about."

"But you can use Holy Light."

Irelia whispered:

“Lightforged can also resist the plague under the protection of the Holy Light Force. They don’t even need to be lightforged. Just turn them all into ‘light-eaters’. I don’t think my light-eater clan has been infected by the plague.”

“The clash of the Forces can indeed prevent the spread of the demonic plague, and what you said is indeed a good idea, but to lightcast all the High Elves and High Elves at once, conservatively speaking, we would need to find at least a hundred Naaru to cast the spell together.”

The vigilant smiled and said to Irelia:
How about this?
I'll handle persuading the elves to accept Lightforged. Don't worry about how I do it; just go and find us a hundred Naaru. In the realm of 'generosity,' we are second only to arcane in our stinginess with the Holy Light we serve; its light shines only on those souls of unwavering will.

In such a large-scale energy ascension, the void is more suitable.

At this point, Diakum beckoned to General Staghelm, who had been standing at the door listening to the entire conversation. The latter sat silently opposite Dick, hesitated for a moment, then reached out and removed his mask, revealing the rugged face of the dark troll.

The general wasn't stupid; he knew what Diakum wanted to achieve by letting him hear all this.

Staghelm said:
"You want me to try the ascension ritual you designed?"

"No, that ritual was prepared for elven patients infected with the demonic plague but who have not yet been transformed. Even if you introduce void entropy energy, you and your warriors cannot reverse your degeneration in your current state."

Dick said seriously:

“You will need to undergo the more dangerous ‘Curse of Flesh’ in order to reshape your appearance back to your original elven form.”

"Just like those who were bewitched in Nanfeng Village?"

Staghelm clenched his fist and said in a hoarse voice:

"You want me to step into the void? To step into the embrace of the enemy that my brothers and I have fought against for a thousand years? No! Please forgive me for refusing!"

Such a fierce reaction was within Dick's expectations. Instead of explaining the difference between the Void and the Old Gods to the angry warrior in detail, he took out the Twilight Hammer and made the shadowy relic float in front of the two of them.

他 说:

“Touch it, General Vastan Staghelm.”

Don't worry that the void will bewitch you. This weapon records all my insights into the path of light and shadow I'm currently on. Although the trials of this path are not yet complete, I can still share it with the righteous.

This contains my understanding and knowledge of the Void. What I want to tell you is that whether it is the Holy Light or the Void, the power granted by the Six Elemental Forces is a weapon, and where they point is entirely up to your will.

Honestly, I don't think it's a big deal that elves can transform into dark trolls.

Aside from the deep-seated hatred between you elves and trolls and your racial prejudices, elves are not as noble as you think, and trolls are not as barbaric as you imagine.

But I have no intention of erasing people's prejudices, so if you still want to reclaim your identity as an elf, then perhaps this is the only path you can choose.

"Either accept your troll identity, or follow me on this path of light and shadow!"

He emphasized:

“I cannot guarantee that you will find the light in the shadows, but I can assure you that as long as you follow this righteous path, you will never lose your way in the darkness and become Voidkin like the Qiraji.”

"Ah, I understand!"

Irelia exclaimed in surprise from the side:
"Just as you created me and Marlade as 'watchful voters' in the light, the 'Rondore Way' you created will also become the 'voters' you designate in the shadows."

The duality of light and darkness means that you can walk the paths of two forces at the same time, and you will naturally have two followers in the light and the shadow!
Wonderful!

Is this the essence of the Way of Light and Darkness?
Light and shadow are both at your disposal!

“No, I am not trying to select Landorai voters. ‘Landorai’ is a sad concept that is destined to be complicated.”

The vigilant explained:

"I am merely providing a refuge in the darkness for those poor souls who are forced to accept their choices. Whether they choose to follow me in serving the light in the darkness is their own freedom."

Just like your choice, Deerhelm!

If you firmly believe that Elune will continue to protect you, then have some faith in your God! The White Lady's silver moon shines for all ages, but she also has the wrath of the black moon to punish her enemies.

Step into the shadows, and the moonlight will shine upon you forever.

Diakum did not use any mind control techniques.

He waited for Staghelm to make his choice, and at the opportune moment, Irelia took out the mirror that she, as a woman, always carried with her and handed it to General Staghelm, who looked at his reflection in the mirror.

Rough skin, fangs protruding from the lips, a face covered in spots—only his eyes remained the same as before, but the person in the mirror was not him!

This is not Vastan Staghelm!
He is the son of Fandral Staghelm, the husband of Lyanna Staghelm, and the father of Astalia Staghelm. He is a proud Kaldorei warrior.

He's not a troll!
He could not allow himself to become a dark troll.

"click"

General Staghelm crushed the mirror in his hand, which made Irelia feel a pang of heartache.

That mirror was a gift from Samara. You little elf, if you're going to express your determination, just express it. Why did you have to smash someone's mirror?
May Elune guide me through the darkness!

Staghelm whispered something, then reached out and grasped the Twilight Hammer before him. Diakum nodded and placed his hand over Staghelm's trembling hand. In the next instant, as the shadow was invoked and empowered, his own understanding of the duality of light and shadow was shared.

"Yes! That's it! Just as you sculpted the Hand of Argus in the light!"

The Shadow Words roared in Diakum's ear like a storm in the darkness:
“Use their despair, lure their desires, weave their hopes, and turn them into your blade and your legions, making them willingly become the dark hand of Diakum!”
That's it.

O Vigilant, use your talents to create new minions for the Sea of ​​Lightlessness.

Guide them through the darkness, for the light or for something else, as long as you step into the darkness, as long as you embrace the darkness. Hmm, C'Thun has been drawn by your shadow; it wants to speak with you. Would you like to meet with it sometime?

"why not?"

The Watcher generously shared his profound morality with General Staghelm, and in the shadows, he said in a hoarse voice:

"The pre-battle 'trash talk' is also part of the war etiquette. Now that we have prepared our troops, let's see what 'gifts' the Thousand-Eyed Demon has brought to avoid this Void Clash."

It will plead, and I will refuse.

War is inevitable, not just for salvation, but for something far more important.

Ps:

3+5 bonus chapters tomorrow
(End of this chapter)