Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 256, Section 13: StarCraft is in progress; the professional blind man is warming up.
Tonight, the "person involved" who personally participated in everything from Azeroth's arrival to the establishment of the Dark Empire, was suppressed by the Titans, and finally escaped its cage, and almost witnessed Azeroth's prosperity from its ancient wilderness to the present day, has finally appeared.

In the Silithus desert, atop its Titan prison, the "Thousand-Eyed Demon" C'Thun arrived.

It sensed Diakum's shadowy presence.

It wanted to speak with this individual who was being watched by the Void Lords and the Sea of ​​Darkness. This was an Old God who had come to Azeroth with a noble mission to create the most powerful "Void Titan" for the Sea of ​​Darkness, not to actually fight and kill.

If both sides can clarify their differences and turn hostility into friendship, that would be the best outcome.

Riding on the silent teleportation brought by Kah Abyss Wanderer, Diakum leaped back and forth through the shadows, eventually arriving at a desolate desert.

He looked up at the gloomy sky tonight, and the starry sea in his eyes transformed into a purple corrosive nebula in the flowing light. In the illusory reflection of that void, the entire galaxy had fallen, countless planets had grown flesh and blood, and countless star rings had opened their eyes. Every dim star in the sky was a corrosive planet in the material world.

On the earth, the ancient city, faintly visible, appears in the light.

Enormous black obelisks stood atop platform after platform, where countless Faceless Ones and Enraki's servants knelt in reverence for the past of this dark empire.

Those powerful and ferocious Krahith generals guarded the statues of the Old Gods and the fallen holy symbols. The pale yet dazzling "Twilight" obscured the sky, turning it into a cold and gloomy scene.

In this interplay of light and shadow, the Thousand-Eyed Demon rises from the darkness.

It was as if the entire desert had transformed into its "pool of black blood," projecting the twisted, formless dark flesh and blood like a mountain before Diakum's eyes.

A rotten onion with many bumps and holes!
This was Diakum's first impression of it.

Judging from its appearance alone, this is indeed the case. C'Thun's main body is "round and plump," with indescribable flesh splitting open from the top. Outside the dark shell, there are bulging scars and wide-open mouths, with an eyeball of different sizes rotating in each dark mouth.

Its tentacles, which spread from the bottom of its body, resembled giant black snakes. Around the pool of black blood, they rose up with tendrils covered with sharp bone blades and ferocious suckers. Each tendril, which varied in thickness and length, was covered with sharp teeth like a lamprey, and had eye stalks protruding from them.

The Thousand-Eyed Demon may truly have a thousand eyes.
"Why do void creatures always adorn themselves with things like eyeballs, giant mouths, tentacles, and bone blades?"

Faced with C'Thun's corrupted majesty, the Vigilant remained unmoved, even having the leisure to offer comments. Diakum asked a question helplessly, while Shadowvoice chuckled and explained:
"Because the void wants to spread the truth! Because the eyeball can see the truth, the giant mouth can spread the truth, the tentacles can shape the truth, and the bone blade can protect the truth. You think it is ugly and disgusting because you have failed to understand its shaping logic!"

In the eyes of true Void Sages, every twist of flesh on the body of an Old God has its own meaning.

Those are the blood and flesh demonic runes of the void, forbidden things that mortals cannot see or decipher. Of course, this thing doesn't quite fit the superficial aesthetic sense that mortals usually have, but we void beings don't care about the ramblings of fools.

In the void form, the vigilant, enveloped and supported by shadows, crosses his hands in front of him, letting the shadows and shading merge into one, forming a trench coat cloak that conceals his body.

As the light on the Dark Archon's forehead pulsed, he looked at C'Thun, waiting for the other to speak.

"Fellow traveler of the void, I will give you a gift."

I will bestow upon you the grace of the Thousand-Eyed Demon, and share with you the truth forged from flesh and blood. I will grant you the Eye of C'Thun, so that all enemies may fall. I will bestow upon you the Claw of C'Thun, so that all beings may submit.

If you seek healing, the ascension of the Thousand-Eyed Demon will also be in your hands!
The scourge that plagues all things is but a minor ailment in our eyes, easily cured without medicine by simply chanting in the void.

In C'Thun's dark vision, ninety-nine eyeballs rotated, each looking at Diakum; the mental impact contained the thoughts of the Thousand-Eyed Demon.

The initial contact was not cold; on the contrary, it was peaceful, filled with blessings, and offered generous terms.

Diakum saw the swarms of insects emerging from their hives in the desert. He saw the illusion of commanding millions of insects to conquer the world, and he also saw C'Thun's eyeballs growing from his shoulder, using the horns of twilight to execute all things.

The scene changes again, and he is once again dressed in black, walking among the people. Every touch of his fingers can instantly heal the weak infected, and countless devout believers kneel at his feet.

In that illusion, he was so powerful, like a destroyer of the void and a savior of the world, capable of making the world tremble with just a gesture.

But even if the self in the illusion is powerful, it is still fake, not to mention that Diakum can achieve these so-called "seductions" on his own.

Therefore, he remained unmoved by the conditions offered by C'Thun, merely twirling his finger and saying:
"Such a generous offer must come with a request. Speak, I am listening."

“You have real enemies to deal with, the roar of fel energy echoes through the starry sky, but I am not your enemy! My swarm will fight for you, even for this world. If you just nod in agreement, you will have a ‘savior army’ forged from the abyss.”

The Thousand-Eyed Demon then spoke.

Its tentacles swayed, outlining the world's memories of the Burning Legion's last invasion of Azeroth with a dim light, presenting the surrounding illusions of burned towns and collapsed giant trees, as well as terrified trolls and elves seeking refuge, and even the despair and pain of the victims of the War of the Ancients, which became a spiritual call attached to Diakum's emotions.

In that war-torn, immersive cinematic experience, the dark voice of C'Thun echoed:

"Leave! Leave Silithus! Leave the territory of the Qiraji Empire!"

Simple and clear, with a cold tone.

It wasn't a request; it was more like a command.

"Heh, it seems the glorious title bestowed upon you by the Sea of ​​No Light is indeed ineffective against a void boss of this caliber."

Shadow Words jokingly said:

"It comes with ill intentions, using both soft and hard tactics, giving you gifts while also warning you. It's really difficult to deal with, and really difficult to choose between."

But if you could actually obtain the Qiraji Swarm, then at least protecting those poor human kingdoms on the eastern continent from demonic invasion wouldn't be a problem. If Lothar were here, he might actually agree.

Diakum pretended not to hear, showing no interest in the "deal," and coldly addressed the ancient god projection before him:

"You occupy the secret chamber of the heart?"

You used that place as a rift to corrupt the soul of the world, and the Titans built a cage to suppress you, but you turned the tables and used it against them.

Yogg-Saron is still playing hide-and-seek with the Titan Keepers, N'Zoth is hiding in the forbidden deep sea dreaming of rebuilding the Dark Empire, and G'huun, that 'godforged freak' who belongs neither to order nor entirely to the Void, only thinks about polluting the starry sea.

Only you, C'Thun!
Only the Thousand-Eyed Demon is still fulfilling the ultimate desire of the Dark Empire, and only you are still diligently infusing the Star Soul with the corruption from the Sea of ​​No Light.

Such loyalty is truly touching.

But unfortunately, that's exactly why I came here!
Compared to your swarm's battle against demons, the despair woven by your tentacles in the darkness is the true noose around this world's neck!

Faced with Diakum's decisive refusal, more eyes in the Thousand-Eyed Demon's illusion rotated and looked at the Vigilant.

Even if it was just an illusion, the real mental pressure was still like a cold noose wrapped around Diakum's neck, pulling him harder to breathe every second.

Unfortunately, it was just a projection.

Now that Diakum has recovered from his weakness, he thinks C'Thun is dreaming if he thinks he can get rid of this thing.

"boom"

The Twilight Protection of the Corruption Laws shattered C'Thun's suffocating grip, and the Thousand-Eyed Demon's flesh trembled as it realized the Vigilant's resolve.

It sounded like laughter, but also like some kind of anger.

"To continue forward means war, and in the boiling shadows, everyone will abandon you!"

The Thousand-Eyed Demon whimpered, threatening:
"You have long lost yourself, whether in the light or in the shadows. Even your servants despise you, as if you were controlling a mindless puppet. You only have yourself, while I have an empire!"
Ak'agthshi ma uhnish, ak'uq shg'cul vwahuhn! (Our numbers are endless, our power is beyond imagination!)

"Then let's see who proves the best on the battlefield."

Diakum raised his hand, making a war gesture in the tradition of the Eredar, and said:
"Send out your Empire, let your swarms of Zerg run across the desert, to try and stop me! I wgah far'al zuq ni shn! (I will turn you to ashes!) But the darkest humor is that I never intended to make any deal with you."

Because, regardless of who wins or loses this battle, if you survive, you will inevitably be forced to stand on the side of the world.

If the demons truly take over this place, you will be the first to be dragged out of the shattered lair and burned alive!

Poor thing!

To protect the food you covet, you must also become the Shadow Guardians of Azeroth in place of those Titan Guardians who are unable to fulfill their duties. Ah, when order cannot be relied upon, even the bandits of the Void must take up arms for the opened vaults.

What an irony.

But that's the intricate complexity of the six fundamental forces.

We are all in this; where there is sky, there is abyss; where there is light, there is shadow! I cannot escape, nor can you! Y'za noq mah, Y'za noq ormz. (We are not the first, nor will we be the last.)

The vigilant waved his hand to repel the spiritual temptation from the ancient gods, and amidst the shattering light and shadow, he cried out:

"Prepare for war, C'Thun, not only to fight me, but also to protect your pitiful possessions and your lowly desires from the Burning Legion's heavenly fire."

A chilling wind swept across the vast desert of Silithus, and as the cold moonlight shone down once more, all illusions vanished without a trace, the starry sky returned to normal, and as Diakum looked up, Shadowwhisper said with regret:

"The negotiations failed. Neither you nor it had any intention of resolving the issue peacefully."

"Then prepare for the assault! C'Thun thinks it has a huge advantage, but..."

Diakum gazed at the shooting stars streaking across the Milky Way. He flexed his fingers, feeling the full strength returning to his body and the upcoming trial of the Path of Light and Shadow. He said:

"The holy sword in my hand has never been ineffective!"

------

On the navigation platform of the magnificent Naaru spaceship, forged from crystal, Her Majesty Orestes, the Archbishop of the Holy Light Legion, strode forward, clad in a robe of light and wielding a golden staff.

The war that lasted for 10,000 years made her much more mature than before, and her "bad girl" temperament had long been worn away by the flames of war.

Constantly traversing different worlds and battling demons in different timelines has almost robbed her of her sense of time. It feels as if the final battle in the world of Argus was just yesterday, but at other times it feels as distant as millions of years ago.

This situation gave her a unique sense of vicissitude.

However, "time disorder" is not only a symptom of Auress; all veterans of the Holy Light Legion have similar problems to varying degrees. Fortunately, they are a unique immortal race and are not very sensitive to the passage of time.

Moreover, Auress, already Lightforged, didn't care about such a small matter. Her fair skin, adorned with holy runes, radiated light, while the War Archbishop's light seal floating on her forehead further demonstrated her courage and fortitude. Wherever she went, the Lightforged warriors of the Holy Light Legion bowed to her, and even the technicians repairing the equipment stopped their discussions and looked at their commander with adoration.

The spaceship is not in good condition.

In fact, the small fleet led by Orestes and her sister did not depart directly from the "Holy Light Space" in the Star Sea. They received a message from Narumida during a break from their war mission. After learning that the "Vigilant" had awakened and that the Draenei clan had not been wiped out and was still fighting demons, they immediately turned around and headed to join their people and protect them.

This is a rule established by the Legion of Light from its inception: they must prioritize the safety of the Eredar clan.

However, due to the change of course midway through the war mission, the small fleet was not at full strength. More than two thousand Lightforged warriors were injured or ill. Most importantly, their fleet needed to be repaired during the flight.

Conditions were harsh, but fortunately, the Lightforged warriors were already used to fighting in such harsh environments.

Just yesterday, while passing through a star system, they also annihilated a second-line Burning Legion force that was invading a certain world, and incidentally used the Holy Light Arbiter to "light-bury" the planet that had been occupied by demons.

How much longer until we reach our target star system?

As Aurecis examined the ever-changing star chart on the navigation console, she asked a question in a low voice.

The ethereal Naaru Adar, who was in charge of guiding the way, sang a song, and the powerful and holy Naaru responded:
"We will enter the star system where Azeroth is located in one day. It will take three days to actually reach the planet Azeroth. However, we have maintained a clear communication with Lord Diakum. Therefore, we will have the fleet enter the atmosphere of the target world and directly reach the area above the Vigilant's location via space teleportation."

According to information shared with us by Archbishop Nelly yesterday, His Excellency Diakum is preparing for a war against the Void Fiends.

In his plan, our fleet needed to arrive on the battlefield at the appropriate time as the 'breachers,' and launch orbital strikes against the ground forces using the Holy Light Arbiter's cannons to support the ground army's offensive.

At this point, Naru paused, then spoke in a more serious tone to the archbishop who was listening attentively:
"The target of this operation is a 'mature' Void Light-Dark Aggregate. In the Holy Light Legion's combat system, this creature is marked as extremely dangerous, with a threat level exceeding that of an ordinary Greater Demon and equal to that of facing a Greater Demon Lord directly."

Therefore, I must remind you, Archbishop Aurecis, that this battle is extremely dangerous, and you and your warriors must be prepared!

"An ancient god?"

The archbishop frowned and said:
"Why would Commander Diakum consider the Void his enemy? As far as I know, the world of Azeroth is facing a demonic invasion by the Corruptor faction."

Based on my understanding of the Void forces, they will be in a passive defensive state before launching their 'final devour' on the target world. Judging from the current situation, the Burning Legion is clearly a greater threat.

There must be some hidden story behind this, right?

"Yes, the intelligence shared by Archbishop Nelly indicates that there are three mature light-dark aggregates lurking in the world of Azeroth, as well as the remains of an Old God who is a critical-level lesser god."

That world has been corrupted by the void for over 100,000 years.

Adal shared the intelligence, saying:
"The reason why the Vigilant launched a war against the Old God at this time is probably related to his ongoing trial of the path of light and darkness. He believes that the Old God will be the last obstacle before the end of his trial."

This caused a flash of anger in the archbishop's eyes.

She said in a deep voice:

"So, Commander Diakum puts his personal interests above the security of the world? And as a chosen one of the Holy Light, he would actually step into the shadows?"
Your Majesty Adal, do you think this is related to the fact that the Draenei clan did not receive proper guidance from the Naaru during the two hundred years of the Fall?
Or, to put it more bluntly!
Is it possible that Commander Diakum has already teetered on the brink of corruption?

He needs an Old God as the target of his trial, which is very similar to the steps of some 'fallen godhood' rituals I understand. How can we, as people of light, seek wisdom in darkness?

Adal remained silent in the face of Archbishop Orestes's questioning.

This holy and powerful Naaru stopped singing, perhaps because it felt these Lightforged warriors were going too far. The Diackm's journey through the Path of Light and Darkness was directly permitted by the Primal Light!
That was a trial from the Holy Light Force. Why are you, the People of Light, so wary of even this?
You should believe him!

Several seconds later, Adar's singing rang out again, saying:
"He is a hero of the Eredar and your mentor."

"Danzera teaches us..."

Zera isn't here!

The dialogue between the archbishop and the Naru thus came to an end.

Orethas knew that she had inadvertently violated His Holiness Adar's taboo. Although they were both members of the Legion of Light, the Naaru had doctrinal disputes among themselves, and the paths that the Mother of Light, Xerah, and His Holiness Adar walked were not the same.

"Then please continue to fulfill your navigational duties and remind us when we are about to arrive in Azeroth."

The archbishop took the initiative to back down.

She had great respect for Adal, saying:
"At the same time, have the technicians maintain the secondary cannons of the Holy Light Arbiter. Firing the main cannons in the atmosphere could cause geological disasters that damage the continental shelf, so even the secondary cannons need to be kept at low power."

Upon arriving at the battlefield, I will lead my warriors in using the teleportation cursor!

"Well, let's go rest."

Adar spun its body, radiating a gentle light, and it reminded:

"The injuries you and your sister sustained when fighting Mannoroth the Destroyer have not fully healed. The combat level in the world of Azeroth is extremely high, so you must protect yourselves."

"Thank you for your concern. May the Holy Light bless us."

Aurecis bowed and turned to leave.

Her exquisite crystal high heels made a crisp sound as they struck the ground, and the fishnet stockings peeking out from under her robes were probably the last bit of her past personality that the archbishop had "stubbornly retained."

Instead of resting, she went to the central area of ​​the "Storm Fortress" starship and issued a summons order to the commander in a conference room.

A moment later, the five commanders arrived one after another.

In this conference room, Aurecis stood with her back to them, enveloped in swirling holy runes. She turned the "light-sculpted rosary" in her hand, which had been bathed in holy light for over ten thousand years, and spoke calmly with the air of a great figure:

"Brothers and sisters, I have bad news for you. It's about Commander Diakum. He may have succumbed to the temptations of darkness and embarked on a dangerous path. We will go to his aid, just as we swore when we left the Genidal."

We will rescue him from the darkness and bring him back to the light at all costs!
Just as he once did for us.

But if the die is cast and we cannot awaken him from the darkness, then we must prepare for the worst.

The archbishop turned around and looked at his five companions who had fought alongside him for tens of thousands of years.

she says:

"If that time truly comes, can we, in the name of the Holy Light, draw our swords against our commander whose fervent soul has been robbed by darkness?"

"I think you've lost your mind! What exactly did that stubborn Naru put into your brain?"

"Crescent Blade" Faria slammed her hand on the table with a bang, and she scolded:
"Commander Diakum will never fall into darkness! He has always been a symbol of light. Haven't you seen the battle reports sent from Draenor?"

Rather than worrying that he will be tempted by darkness, you should worry that he will dedicate too much to the light, burn out his humanity to fight against fate, and become a fanatic like the zealots under Zera!

That's right.

I'm talking about you and your sister!

Only guys like you who spend all your time with Zera would see the Vigilant as potential Fallen Ones.

We told you long ago that Zera's thinking is problematic!
I told you and Saloras to transfer to His Majesty Adal's combat unit a long time ago, but you two sisters just wouldn't listen!

"Don't think I don't know."

The Holy Light Archmage Imira snorted coldly and said:
"Xera has given you a secret mission this time. You two sisters are to find the Prophecy Child for her in Azeroth, the 'Child of Light and Darkness' who completely ignores her in the sea of ​​stars. Hmph, what a charlatan's act."

But if this burning starry sea can really be saved by a prophetic child, then what are the sacrifices we have made and the almost eternal battles we have fought over the years?
Orestes!

"I urge you to calm down. If you dare to do anything dangerous to Commander Diakum under Zera's influence, the five of us will not let you off!"

Silence fell over the meeting room.

After several seconds, the archbishop shook his head and said:
"Let's skip that topic and discuss the details of the war. This time, we're facing an ancient god and its insect servants."

"A swarm? We're going to fight a swarm of insects again?"

Sharpshooter Barat rubbed his forehead, seemingly recalling some unpleasant memories. He glanced at his left hand, which only had four fingers, and sighed.

"Damn it! I hate the swarm, I hate their creep, I hate their eggs."

"Why do the Void forces always seem to recruit the same insectoid life forms to fight for them on different planets? Remember that Swarm Prophet we killed before?"

Imira rubbed her temples and complained:

"That guy nearly tore my mind apart with his mental whispers. I hope there aren't any of those horrible things in the Zerg swarm of Azeroth. But Commander Diakum is still as troublesome as ever. The Old Gods, tsk, a dangerous and terrifying opponent. Looks like we'll have to send out the Zealots this time."

"Once we arrive, we'll smash down a few crystal towers to activate the mind shield. Then, Archbishop Saloras will use a battlefield-level mind storm on the swarm to disrupt their swarm mind!"

Faria and I teleported to the surface with the Zealots, coordinating with Commander Diakum and his troops in the advance, while Tramon led the Templars to provide support.

Remember to prepare plenty of solar-powered tomahawks!

That thing has extra damage against the Swarm Lord.

Several commanders began to discuss tactics, but Archbishop Orestes remained silent.

She tried hard to recall her and her sister's experiences with Commander Diakum in Argus. Her memory was intact, the scenes seemed like yesterday, but it was like watching someone else's life, barely stirring any emotion.

This seems to be fine, after all, Ms. Zela said that rationality is the first priority for a leader.

Ah, Commander Diakum, I hope you still retain your sanity.

(End of this chapter)