Light's Dawn of Azeroth

Chapter 259, Section 16. C'Thun: I have a large army, strong walls, and ample supplies. You, Diakum, think you can kill me instantly? [15]

(Bonus chapter for "Huo Zheng Ting Hao" [1/5])
"What's that behind you?!"

When Rexxar awoke, he saw Saint Diakum looking at him with a strange expression.

Faced with the vigilant's question, the Mok'Nathal orc turned around and saw the brown bear he had rescued from the Nightmare Rift sitting beside him, its wounds still unhealed but its paws clutching a large clump of honey as it devoured it.

Archbishop Nelly was still holding the remaining jar of honey in her hands, and the ancient hunter was also observing Rexxar's new beast companion.

The orcs found Diakum's question strange.

What else could it be?
It's a brown bear.

Although its aura was a bit strange and didn't seem like that of a normal wild beast, considering that it could travel through the Emerald Dream, it might just be a "magical bear"?
These noble creatures of Azeroth are truly amazing.

His two wild beast companions were huddled in the corner, trembling. The injuries on Harassa and Ruklan were probably from when they provoked the brown bear and got beaten up while he was asleep.

Hmm, it's good that my hunting group has been divided into ranks! An outstanding hunting group should have a clear hierarchy.

"I saved it."

Rexxar was still somewhat weak, but the "Breath of Life" blessing from the Heart of Life in Draenor allowed him to recover every second.

He briefly recounted what had happened the previous night to the watchman. Diakum nodded, glanced again at the brown bear eating honey, and tried to convince himself to ignore the various "strange" things about the guy.

Although, under his Eye of Truth, it appeared to be a ragged elven lady devouring honey like a wild beast.

But this was a "wild beast" that Rexxar had painstakingly tamed himself, and since no one else had said anything, he, as an outsider, couldn't very well interfere. He could only marvel at how skillfully these druids played their game.

"Get ready. After breakfast, the army from Cenarion Hold will march toward the Scarab Wall. You will temporarily travel with the Cenarion Order druids and learn from them their various druidic tactics."

Dick stood up and reminded him:

"The Troll Empire's forces have been deployed. Their Dark Prophet and Princess of All Souls are waiting for us there. Although preparations for this battle have been hasty, the war is of great significance, and everyone must take it seriously."

"it is good!"

Rexxar nodded.

He has a keen sense of wild animals and had previously stated that the alien insects are a threat to the world.

Whether from the hunter's or the druid's perspective, he had enough reasons to convince himself to join.

After the two left, Rexxar stretched his shoulders and stood up. The brown bear seemed very attached to him, licking the honey and then pressing its huge head against Rexxar's arm, which made the Mok'Nathal hunter grin and reach out to touch the brown bear's head.

"From now on, I'll call you 'Misha'."

He whispered:

“That’s my mother’s name. She was a fierce and powerful ruler of the wilderness, just like you. From now on, we’ll be traveling together in the wilderness. Also, don’t bully Harassa and Ruklan. They’re also members of the hunting pack.”

"Ow"

The big brown bear responded with a word, then trotted after Rexxar to prepare their battle gear.

Not far from the room, Archbishop Nelly, feeling unwell, pulled Dick aside and said:
"Shouldn't we remind Rexxar? Although I know druids have their own rules, isn't it a bit much for him to treat a perfectly good elf like a pet?"

"That brown bear is a brown bear now."

The vigilant man rubbed his temples, unsure how to explain. He said:
"She has been trapped in C'Thun's nightmare for too long, like some kind of mutation of the Curse of Flesh. She has forgotten her identity as a human being and has been completely captured by the mind of a beast. Trying to awaken her rashly may only make things worse."

And he was a great druid!
She is far more dangerous than Rexxar, who is now a novice druid.

I don't think we need to worry about her; she can always take care of herself.

"I'm not worried about the bear, I'm worried about Rex."

Nelly lamented:

“I originally thought I had seen a lot of big scenes after 20,000 years of hunting in the stars, but after coming to Azeroth, I realized that my experience was nothing. I don’t think it’s a good thing to let him stay with that strange archdruid.”

“But life has its own way of being, and it’s not my place as a believer in the Holy Light to interfere with other people’s life force.”

Dick waved his hand, indicating he had no intention of getting involved.

The Shadow Words also whispered in his ear:

"The life force is just that abnormal! We're used to it. We suggest you don't delve too deeply into those mind-blowing things, for the sake of your precarious sanity."

On the bright side, if you continue to study the Curse of Flesh, you too can, like that bear, transform your enemies into whatever form you desire. This is where the wonders of the Void's power lie—use your imagination!

Hmm, look, the Highborne are coming.

"It seems they've made up their minds. Congratulations, Diakum, you will also gain a powerful kin in the Shadows."

The Watcher turned around and saw Governor Torseidrin striding towards him, dressed in High Elf magical armor, accompanied by Lady Blue Moon and Lady Sandara.

Without further ado, the three High Elf leaders handed a sealed scroll to Diakum, and Governor Torsedrin said in a deep voice:
"After discussion, we have decided to accept your proposal. With the help of Lady Blue Moon and Lady Sandara's amazing magical skills, we have completed this 'Ascension Ritual' for you. It can introduce void entropy energy under the premise that mortals can bear it, thereby slightly changing the life form of individuals and leading them into the shadow path of the void."

We will also begin preparations for a large-scale Shadow Ascension immediately upon returning to our respective territories; this will be the Highborne's means of combating the demonic plague.

“But there’s a condition, Diakum Zastins.”

Lady Blue Moon, leaning on her Dean's staff, the great lich solemnly addressed the Watcher:

"Those who step into darkness need light before them. The Ascended must have a guiding light so that they do not lose their way in the temptations of the void. We have spoken with General Staghelm and we know that he and the Shifting Sands Guards have entered the darkness under your guidance in search of a way back to purity."

Our people also need to find a foothold in the path of shadows.

Therefore, only after you have completed your trials on the path of light and shadow, and summarized your unique path of the twin light and shadow, can our people seize this opportunity to embrace the shadows.

“You must become a guiding light for these ‘Randores,’ Your Excellency.”

The scholar Sandara put it more bluntly; this High Elf lord, clad in a white bear skin, said in a deep voice:
"Our people who embrace the shadows will all revere you as their lord, just as the ancient gods guided the insectoid empire. As long as you do not lose your way in the shadows, our people will be less likely to encounter any accidents."

But we cannot tell them directly that they must obey a saint of another race, as this is not in accordance with the culture and traditions of the High Elves.

Therefore, once this path of Shadow Ascension begins, we will proclaim your doctrines in the name of the 'Light Chasers,' but we will not establish religious idols or specific forms of worship for you. We ask for your understanding in this regard.

“Let’s call him ‘Lightforger’, I prefer that name.”

Dick nodded and said:
“I did not make this suggestion to you in order to gain believers or followers. The fact that I can see the Highborne freed from the torment of the plague and escape the despair of degenerating into dark trolls is enough to comfort my heart that has devoted itself to the light.”

Then, I invite the three of you to witness the end of my trials on the path of light and shadow.

If I can overcome the shadow of night cast by C'Thun, then your people will have protection when they enter the darkness. If I cannot overcome it and fall into the thick of night, turning into something corrupt, then please, the three of you, grant me rest.

If I fail, then the three of you can search for a alien leader called 'Dual Realm Walker' in the Void Rift.

While it may not be a good person, it possesses a trustworthy moral standard, sufficient to guide the newly born Landore through the dangerous ocean of entropy energy.

This suggestion caught the eye of the Highborne leader. After Diakum described in detail the characteristics and origins of the "Two-World Walker," the three felt more confident. They praised Diakum as a true benefactor and escorted him to the front of the fortress.

The army is ready to depart.

Diakum noticed that there were many more Watchers walking in the shadows on the Druids' side. Several Priestesses of the Moon, dressed in moon-white robes, were performing the blessing of the Moon Goddess for the warriors. An Elven female general, wearing Elven armor and carrying the Black Moon Warbow, was inspecting the battle preparations on her fierce Frostblade Tiger.

That should be Shandris Feathermoon, the commander of the Kaldorei Silverwing Sentinels and the second-in-command of the faith organization, the Sisterhood of Elune.

She was the adopted daughter of Tyrande, the Nightsworn, a true battle hero. However, there wasn't much time for pleasantries; the trolls had urged them several times, and they had to depart.

In the final moments before Old Staghelm delivered his declaration of war in front of the fortress, Diakum produced the beacon of the Light Legion's vanguard fleet. The coordinates indicated that they had arrived in the star system where Azeroth was located and were rapidly advancing towards the planet itself.

"Nellie, you will take charge of the navigation beacon."

Dick handed the device to the archbishop and said:
"I have completed the authorization. After we break through the Beetle Wall, you will call upon the fleet to guide the Holy Light strike at the appropriate time."

"Ah."

Nelly put the Ranger Helmet on her head and took the mechanical box. This thing was the most important part of this raid and the ultimate weapon to deal with the Old Gods.

"Warriors of Kaldorei, set out!"

Old Staghelm held aloft the scepter of quicksand used to break the seal on the Scarab Wall, waving it across the battlefield.

The next moment, the army surged forward, rushing towards the enemy from a thousand years ago amidst the rough sandstorm. Diakum also pulled on the reins, and with the roar of the Spectral Tiger, he led the Dawn Chaser Tauren and Mag'har warriors into the fray.

This battle of the quicksand was not as glorious and extravagant as he remembered, and the opening ceremony of Ahn'Qiraj was destined to be unknown to most people in this timeline.

"But ordinary people cannot understand the significance of this war. Perhaps the fate of the world will be turned to another track as a result, just like what is happening in the Eastern Kingdom. The future direction of the world has been changed, and it is constantly accumulating momentum for progress."

Behind the crowd, Chromie, riding a magic carpet, was rapidly jotting down notes in her tome. Beside her, Teregosa, leaning on her staff, looked around and whispered to Chromie:

"That beetle wall was built by our guardian dragons. Although I didn't participate in the battle, I heard that the Emerald Legion and the Red Dragonflight sacrificed two important figures to help the Kaldorei. Our blue dragon prince, Alexstrasza, was also going to sacrifice himself, but the timely intervention of the Black Raven King saved him from the crisis."

Every time Regius spoke of this at the Nexus gatherings, he would sigh deeply, feeling that he had deserted and let down his friends.

"That's a good thing; Alexstrasza has thus escaped its lifelong nightmare. Yes, everything that happens in this timeline is good!"

Without turning his head, Chromie said:
“I know what you’re trying to say, but even if the Kaldorei have notified the dragon guardians, they won’t have time to come and pay attention to this place.”

The demon is coming!
Dragons are far more sensitive to this than mortals, and all the major dragon legions are busy preparing for battle, so it's best not to disturb them.

"That's not what I meant."

Teregosa shifted her shoulders uncomfortably. The blue dragon mother, now stripped of her guardian dragon powers, looked around suspiciously and said:

“Ever since I arrived in Silithus, I’ve been hearing a certain sound, faint but real, like an older sister groaning in pain, like a ghost. But you’re a dragon too, and you don’t seem to hear it.”

"What? Why didn't you tell me about something so important sooner!"

Cromi nearly dropped the pen in his hand.

She turned and stared at Teregosa as if she'd seen a ghost, her gaze so intense it frightened the blue dragon. But after a moment, the bronze dragon tilted its head and muttered something under its breath:
"So this is why he stood by and let the orcs take the Dragon Soul? He wanted to recreate the true Guardians of the World. Oh, damn it! I should have flown out with you back in Redridge Mountains."

Damn it!

I may have missed a valuable opportunity.

------

"Great God of a Thousand Eyes!"

Inside the Beetle Wall, beneath the ruins of a destroyed insectoid city.

Deep within the earth, in an ancient temple filled with darkness and strangeness, two Qiraji leaders, as tall as giants, are leading their people in kneeling prayer to their gods.

These insectoid beings have bizarre appearances. Some have fully developed human form, some are half-human and half-insect, and some are still in insect form but clearly possess cunning and vicious intelligence in their eyes. They are like a group of experimental subjects who escaped from the laboratory of a mad scientist, filled with a kind of "flesh and blood reconstruction" beauty.

The object they were worshipping was not the deity itself, but a stone statue, covered in thick darkness and with huge eyes that were faintly visible in the shadows.

They are the rulers of the Silithus desert. Although they were defeated by the Kaldorei and the Dragon Aspects in the War of the Shifting Sands a thousand years ago, the Qiraji, who were severely weakened during the thousand years they were sealed by the Scarab Wall, have long since recovered under the protection of the Dark God. Even if the Kaldorei do not restart the war now, the Scarab Wall, which is constantly being corroded by the Void power of the Qiraji, will collapse in another ten years or so.

The insects had not forgotten the shame of their defeat; they hid in their nests, yearning day and night for the world beyond the seal.

They will take back everything they have lost!
"Trolls, elves, loas, dragons... they're coming!"

Through the pain of spiritual penetration and tearing, the whispers of the Thousand-Eyed Demon echoed among his followers, causing the Qiraji to humbly prostrate themselves and listen to the decrees of the God of Darkness.

"The ritual of darkness has begun. The losers will become nourishment for the victors. Only the winners can devour the world. Let the war begin! Drag the overconfident challengers into the mire."

In the deep darkness, a giant eye opened and stared directly at the insectoid beings below. Streams of void energy transformed into black lightning and were applied to its minions, making their bodies even stronger and filled with spiritual pressure.

Deeper underground in the shadows, the ancient gods who have dwelled here for hundreds of thousands of years gaze indifferently at the mortals in the desert.

It doesn't care about the warriors of the Kaldorei or the Troll Empire, nor do it care about those mortal demigods.

Its eyes darted around, fixing its gaze on the alien figure hidden in the crowd, the traveler who had caught the attention of the Sea of ​​No Light, the fellow from the stars, who had embarked on the cruel path of the Void Familiars.

The war between him and himself is about to begin; there is no victory or defeat, only life and death!
But proud vigilant, having repelled the Dark Titan's human form, the Apostle of Light, you must now contend not only with the Thousand-Eyed Demon, but also with the Devouring Army I have forged in endless time!

You must first cross the dark frontiers of the Qiraji Empire before you can come before me.

With so few people you brought, less than a quarter of the size of the last War of the Shifting Sands, no guardian dragons, no demigods of the wilderness, just an army of mortals, you think you can conquer my Dark Empire?
Are you being a little too confident?

The lament of the Old Gods echoed in the darkness, and as the gates leading deeper into the temple opened, one after another, corrupted Titan Guardian warriors strode out with heavy steps.

These ancient Anubisath giants, shrouded in darkness, will once again step onto the battlefield, just as they did a thousand years ago.

They once slaughtered dragons under the command of the God of Darkness, and now they will once again step into the war of the mortal realm as the vanguard of the void.

The insectoids cheered, full of confidence after completing the ritual under the powerful leadership of the twin emperors.

Outside the temple, countless Qiraji lords hummed.

They received a promise from the god of darkness to lead their swarms in a cacophony of howls and to completely conquer the sky that once belonged to them. The vibrations of their elytra and mouthparts even surpassed the storms of the great desert, and the chilling sounds of war resounded throughout the heavens and earth.

The Twin Emperors roared and swung their swords, sending swarms of Qiraji flying into the air. Accompanied by the Obsidian Colossus's thunderous strikes, countless corrosive venoms and void magic slammed into the seal of the Beetle Wall, causing the high wall built by the guardian dragon to tremble and crack amidst the flying bricks.

Like mercury spilled onto the ground, swarms of insects instantly poured out of the broken seal.

As they traversed the sea of ​​sand, a single roll by the terrifying burrowing worm lord Oro created wave-like tremors in the sand, easily leveling the buildings that had survived for millennia under the onslaught of this "mythical serpent"-like creature.

This scene was quickly discovered by the troll air knights in the desert, and the guards riding golden pterodactyls immediately reported the news to the dark prophet Zul.

As Princess Talanji charged into the tent carrying the Sandfury sword Susas, she saw Zul also standing up, clad in divine armor.

"Alas, these guardian dragons think too highly of themselves, yet the seals they left behind cannot even last a thousand years. They are truly getting worse with each generation."

The old troll complained bitterly:

"The sacred seal of Zandalar has been stable and functional for hundreds of thousands of years, but look at the shoddy construction here! It's utterly disregard for human life."

"Ha, I knew it!"

Princess Talanji blinked and said to the Dark Prophet:

"I knew you'd come all this way to this godforsaken desert not just to make contact with the Kaldorei. You really are here for the ancient seal in the Nazmir jungle. Has the situation there deteriorated to the point where you feel you need to call in outside help?"

"Its condition is deteriorating, the Loas are terrified, and they are urging me to think of a solution, but dealing with a threat of that level is no easy task for a mortal."

The Dark Prophet shook his head and said:
"If the storm of fate cannot even subdue the weakened Qiraji, I dare not entrust the future of Zandalari to them. The Zandalari Empire has guarded this world against crises for tens of thousands of years, and we also want to shed our burdens and travel light."

The C'Thun before us is indeed dangerous, but it is not the most dangerous Old God!
The 'big guy' that your father's throne is suppressing is the real troublesome thing.

(End of this chapter)